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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Ordinary Seaman · U.S. Navy

John Andrews

Ordinary Seaman John Andrews, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on June 9, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition.

Korean Campaign 1871 June 9, 1871

Ordinary Seaman John Andrews was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 9, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benicia. Andrews was about 25 years old.

One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.

Andrews was born in 1846 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Maryland. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC. Records also list him as James Andrews.

Andrews is one of 15 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1871 Korean expedition and one of 85 credited to Maryland.

Official Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Benicia in action against Korean forts on 9 and 10 June 1871. Stationed at the lead in passing the forts, Andrews stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope. He remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Timeline

  1. 1846
    Born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
  2. June 9, 1871
    Act of valor — Korean Forts, Korea
    Age about 25. U.S.S. Benicia

Also honored for actions on June 9, 1871

JM James F. Merton Landsman · Navy Korea 1871 · 1871

Same unit

JD James Dougherty Private · Marine Corps Korea 1871 · 1871 PG Patrick Henry Grace Chief Quartermaster · Navy Korea 1871 · 1871 MM Michael McNamara Private · Marine Corps Korea 1871 · 1871 AW Albert Weisbogel Captain of the Mizzen Top · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1874
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.