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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Second Class Fireman · U.S. Navy

John W. Magee

Second Class Fireman John W. Magee, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on August 21, 1884 in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts (Interim 1871–1899).

Interim 1871 - 1899 August 21, 1884

Second Class Fireman John W. Magee, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on August 21, 1884 in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Tallapoosa. Magee was about 25 years old.

2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.

Magee was born in 1859 in Maryland.

★ Fire & Explosions at Sea

Official Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa during the sinking of that vessel on the night of 21 August 1884. During this period, Magee remained at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters.

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

Timeline

  1. 1859
    Born in Maryland
  2. August 21, 1884
    Act of valor — Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
    Age about 25. U.S.S. Tallapoosa

Also honored for actions on August 21, 1884

DH David Harrington First Class Fireman · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1884 AO August Ohmsen Master-at-Arms · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1884

Same unit

TR Thomas Robinson Captain of the Afterguard · Navy Interim 1865–1870 · 1866
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.