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Captain of the Top · U.S. Navy

Robert Strahan

Captain of the Top Robert Strahan, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France during the Civil War.

U.S. Civil War June 19, 1864

Captain of the Top Robert Strahan, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Kearsarge. Strahan was about 28 years old.

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

Strahan was born in 1836 in New Jersey. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.

Strahan is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Served as captain of the top on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of the No. 1 gun, Strahan carried out his duties in the face of heavy enemy fire and exhibited marked coolness and good conduct throughout the engagement. Strahan was highly recommended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievements.

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

Timeline

  1. 1836
    Born in New Jersey
  2. June 19, 1864
    Act of valor — off Cherbourg, France
    Age about 28. U.S.S. Kearsarge

Also honored for actions on June 19, 1864

MA Michael Aheam Paymaster's Steward · Navy Civil War · 1864 John F. Bickford Captain of the Top · Navy Civil War · 1864 WB William S. Bond Boatswain · Navy Civil War · 1864 JH James Haley Captain of the Forecastle · Navy Civil War · 1864 MH Mark G. Ham Carpenter's Mate · Navy Civil War · 1864 GH George H. Harrison Seaman · Navy Civil War · 1864 JH John Hayes Coxswain · Navy Civil War · 1864 JL James H. Lee Seaman · Navy Civil War · 1864 CM Charles Moore Seaman · Navy Civil War · 1864 Joachim Pease Seaman · Navy Civil War · 1864 TP Thomas Perry Boatswain's Mate · Navy Civil War · 1864 WP William B. Poole Quartermaster · Navy Civil War · 1864

See all 17 recipients for June 19, 1864 →

Same unit

GB George Breeman Seaman · Navy Interim 1899–1910 · 1906 JD John Dempsey Seaman · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1875 IN Isador A. Nordstrom Chief Boatswain · Navy Interim 1899–1910 · 1906 RS Robert Augustus Sweeney Ordinary Seaman · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1881

More Civil War recipients from New Jersey

JS John Christopher Sagelhurst Sergeant · Army Civil War · 1865 Frank E. Fesq Private · Army Civil War · 1865 Gabriel Grant Surgeon · Army Civil War · 1862 AT Andrew J. Tomlin Corporal · Marine Corps Civil War · 1865 WH William B. Hooper Corporal · Army Civil War · 1865 GS George W. Stewart First Sergeant · Army Civil War · 1865
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.