Watertender John King was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 29, 1901 aboard U.S.S. Vicksburg, Philippine Islands — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Vicksburg. King was 39 years old.
The medal was presented on December 1901. He later rose to the rank of Chief Watertender. King is one of the few people to receive the Medal of Honor twice; see his other award (September 13, 1909).
King was born on February 7, 1862 in County Mayo, Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. King died on May 20, 1938 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the age of 76. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Official Medal of Honor citation
First Award: On board the U.S.S. Vicksburg, for heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boiler, 29 May 1901.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- February 7, 1862Born in County Mayo, Ireland
- May 29, 1901Act of valor — U.S.S. Vicksburg, Philippine IslandsAge 39. U.S.S. Vicksburg
- December 1901Medal of Honor presented
- May 20, 1938Died in Hot Springs, ArkansasAge 76.
- Resting placeCalvary CemeteryHot Springs, Arkansas
