Seaman John Ortega was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions off the Coast, Georgia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Saratoga.
He later rose to the rank of Master's Mate.
Ortega was born in 1840 in Spain — one of 2 recipients born in Spain. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.
Ortega is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Saratoga during actions of that vessel on two occasions. Carrying out his duties courageously during these actions, Ortega conducted himself gallantly through both periods. Promoted to acting master's mate.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
- Born: Spain — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Pennsylvania →
Biography
John (Juan) Ortega (born in 1840), was the first Spanish sailor to be awarded the United States' highest military decoration for valor in combat — the Medal of Honor. He distinguished himself, during the South Atlantic Blockade, by the Union Naval forces, during the American Civil War.
From the Wikipedia article “John Ortega”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →