Private Hugh Purvis, a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 11, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Alaska. Purvis was 25 years old.
11 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Purvis was born on March 5, 1846 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Purvis died on February 12, 1922 in Annapolis, Maryland, at the age of 75. He is buried at St. Anne's Cedar Bluff Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
Purvis is one of 15 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1871 Korean expedition and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Alaska during the attack on and capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Braving the enemy fire, Purvis was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture the flag of the Korean forces.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- March 5, 1846Born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
- June 11, 1871Act of valor — Korean Forts, KoreaAge 25. U.S.S. Alaska
- February 12, 1922Died in Annapolis, MarylandAge 75.
- Resting placeSt. Anne's Cedar Bluff CemeteryAnnapolis, Maryland
