Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Fireman First Class Peter Johnson received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 28, 1898 in Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Vixen. Johnson was 26 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Johnson was born on November 6, 1871 in Copenhagen, Denmark — one of 11 recipients born in Denmark. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Johnson died on June 21, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 71. He is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Johnson is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Vixen on the night of 28 May 1898. Following the explosion of the lower front manhole gasket of boiler A of the vessel, Johnson displayed great coolness and self-possession in entering the fireroom.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- November 6, 1871Born in Copenhagen, Denmark
- May 28, 1898Act of valor — Santiago de CubaAge 26. U.S.S. Vixen
- June 21, 1943Died in San Antonio, TexasAge 71.
- Resting placeFort Sam Houston National CemeterySan Antonio, Texas
