Captain of the Afterguard William Henry Belpitt was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 7, 1884 in Foochow, China — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Monocacy. Belpitt was 24 years old.
The medal was presented on April 19, 1885 — presented by Commander Francis Higginson on board the US Steamer Monocracy off the coast of Shanghai, China.
Belpitt was born on May 3, 1860 in Ryde, Australia — one of 4 recipients born in Australia. Belpitt died on November 30, 1912, at the age of 52. He is buried at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery in Rookwood, Australia. Records also list him as Belphitt, William Henry.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Monocacy, Foochow, China, 7 October 1884. Jumping overboard from that vessel on the morning of this date, Belpitt sustained, until picked up, a Chinaman who had been thrown into the water by the capsizing of a canoe.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
- Born: Ryde — map
Timeline
- May 3, 1860Born in Ryde, Australia
- October 7, 1884Act of valor — Foochow, ChinaAge 24. U.S.S. Monocacy
- April 19, 1885Medal of Honor presentedPresented by Commander Francis Higginson on board the US Steamer Monocracy off the coast of Shanghai, China
- November 30, 1912DiedAge 52.
- Resting placeRookwood Catholic CemeteryRookwood
Biography
William Henry Belpitt (May 3, 1860 - November 30, 1912) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
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