Shipfitter First Class George Huber Wheeler was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 20, 1909 in Coquimbo, Chile — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Tennessee. Wheeler was 27 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 9, 1909 — on board the USS Tennessee by RA William T. Swinburne. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
Wheeler was born on September 26, 1881 in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina. His Medal of Honor is credited to Washington, District of Columbia. Wheeler died on January 20, 1957 in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 75. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For bravery and extraordinary heroism displayed by him during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile, 20 January 1909.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
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Timeline
- September 26, 1881Born in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina
- January 20, 1909Act of valor — Coquimbo, ChileAge 27. U.S.S. Tennessee
- May 9, 1909Medal of Honor presentedOn board the USS Tennessee by RA William T. Swinburne
- January 20, 1957Died in Bethesda, MarylandAge 75.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
George Huber Wheeler (September 26, 1881 – January 20, 1957) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the medal for his fire-fighting efforts during a blaze in Coquimbo, Chile. Wheeler went on to have a 32-year Navy career, being temporarily promoted to lieutenant during World War I and achieving the permanent rank of chief warrant officer before his retirement.
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