Chief Boatswain Isador A. Nordstrom, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 13, 1906 in Cape Cruz on board U.S.S. Kearsarge, Cuba — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Kearsarge. Nordstrom was 29 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
Nordstrom was born on May 24, 1876 in Goteborg, Sweden — one of 17 recipients born in Sweden. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Nordstrom died on March 6, 1930 in on board USS Cincinatti, at sea, at the age of 53. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For gallant conduct upon the occasion of the disastrous fire of accidentally ignited powder charges, which occurred in the forward turret of the U.S.S. Kearsarge during target practice on 13 April 1906. Chief Boatswain Nordstrom, then chief boatswain's mate, was among the first to enter the turret in order to assist in bringing out the injured.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- May 24, 1876Born in Goteborg, Sweden
- April 13, 1906Act of valor — Cape Cruz on board U.S.S. Kearsarge, CubaAge 29. U.S.S. Kearsarge
- March 6, 1930Died in on board USS Cincinatti, at seaAge 53.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
