First Class Fireman John Laverty was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 14, 1881 at Callao Bay, Peru — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Alaska. Laverty was 36 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Laverty was born on June 17, 1845 in County Tyrone, Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to California. Laverty died on November 13, 1903 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. He is buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Records also list him as Lafferty, John.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Second Award Serving on board the U.S.S. Alaska at Callao Bay, Peru, 14 September 1881. Following the rupture of the stop-valve chamber on that vessel, Laverty hauled the fires from under the boiler.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- June 17, 1845Born in County Tyrone, Ireland
- September 14, 1881Act of valor — Callao Bay, PeruAge 36. U.S.S. Alaska
- November 13, 1903Died in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAge 58.
- Resting placeMount Moriah CemeteryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
