Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Boatswain's Mate Henry Dow received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 27, 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Cincinnati. Dow was about 23 years old.
9 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Dow was born in 1840 in Scotland — one of 41 recipients born in Scotland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Illinois.
Dow is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 210 credited to Illinois.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by enemy shellfire that her fate was sealed. Serving courageously throughout this action, Dow carried out his duties to the end on this proud ship that went down with "her colors nailed to the mast."
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Places
- Born: Scotland — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Illinois →
Timeline
- 1840Born in Scotland
- May 27, 1863Act of valor — Vicksburg, MississippiAge about 23. U.S.S. Cincinnati
Biography
Boatswain's Mate Henry Dow (born 1840) was a Scottish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Dow received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the Cincinnati during the Siege of Vicksburg on 27 May 1863. He was honored with the award on 10 July 1863.
From the Wikipedia article “Henry Dow”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
