Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Lewis C. Shepard, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War. The sitter also wears an 1893 New York Gettysburg anniversary veteran badge.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Shepard served as an Ordinary Seaman during the Civil War onboard the U.S.S. Wabash. Shepard was mentioned for "gallant conduct in the assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1864," having approached and entered the enemy fort while facing heavy fire.
Official Citation:
SHEPARD, LOUIS C.
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1843, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Wabash in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Advancing gallantly through severe enemy fire while armed only with a revolver and cutlass which made it impossible to return the fire at that range, Shepard succeeded in reaching the angle of the fort and in going on, to be one of the few who entered the fort. When the rest of the body of men to his rear were forced to retreat under a devastating fire, he was forced to withdraw through lack of support and to seek the shelter of one of the mounds near the stockade from which point he succeeded in regaining the safety of his ship.
Black and white photographic portrait ofMedal of Honor recipient William R. Pelham, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War. Other badges worn by the sitter include a Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Delegate/Representative badge and a GAR membership lapel pin.
Pelham was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Civil War in the Battle of Mobile Bay.
On August 5, 1864, Rear Admiral David Farragut commanded a Union fleet of fourteen wooden ships and four Monitors past Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay to attack the Confederate fleet positioned there. Farragut famously climbed the mast of the U.S.S. Hartford and had himself secured with ropes to better view the battle. Out of the Union Monitors, only the Tecumseh was lost in the Confederate minefield at the mouth of the bay. Once in position, Farragut’s ships engaged the Confederate flotilla and the formidable ironclad, C.S.S. Tennessee. Farragut was eventually successful in capturing the well-armored Tennessee and subsequently engaged Fort Gaines and Fort Powell through the month of August, eventually forcing Fort Morgan to surrender. The battle was considered an important Union victory, depriving the Confederacy of its last significant Gulf port east of Texas although the city of Mobile itself was not taken.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Pelham served as a Landsman onboard the Hartford. The inscription narrates that "when the crew of the gun to which he belonged was entirely broken up, owing to the number of its killed and wounded, he assisted in removing the latter below and then immediately returned; and, without any direction to do so, took his place at the adjoining gun, where a vacancy existed, and continued to perform his duties there most faithfully for the remainder of the action."
Official Citation:
PELHAM, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: Halifax, Nova Scotia. Enlisted in: Nova Scotia. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful actions against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. When the other members of his guncrew were killed or wounded under the enemy's terrific shellfire, Pelham calmly assisted the casualties below and voluntarily returned and took his place at an adjoining gun where another man had been struck down. He continued to fight his gun throughout the remainder of the battle which resulted in the capture of the Tennessee.
´Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Cornelius Cronin wearing Medal and standing with hat in hand, for service during the Civil War.
Cronin was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Battle of Mobile Bay, 1864.
On August 5, 1864, Rear Admiral David Farragut commanded a Union fleet of fourteen wooden ships and four Monitors past Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay to attack the Confederate fleet positioned there. Farragut famously climbed the mast of the U.S.S. Hartford and had himself secured with ropes to better view the battle. Out of the Union Monitors, only the Tecumseh was lost in the Confederate minefield at the mouth of the bay. Once in position, Farragut’s ships engaged the Confederate flotilla and the formidable ironclad, C.S.S. Tennessee. Farragut was eventually successful in capturing the well-armored Tennessee and subsequently engaged Fort Gaines and Fort Powell through the month of August, eventually forcing Fort Morgan to surrender. The battle was considered an important Union victory, depriving the Confederacy of its last significant Gulf port east of Texas although the city of Mobile itself was not taken.
The inscription on the reverse of the photograph states that Cronin served as Chief Quartermaster on the U.S.S. Richmond, during the action in Mobile Bay, adding that Cronin was "commended for coolness and close attention to duty in looking out for signals and steering the ship in the action in Mobile Bay on the morning and forenoon of August 5, 1864. He has been in the naval service eight years. Joined the Brooklyn in December, 1861; was in the actions with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and with the rebel iron-clads and gunboats below New Orleans; was in the action with the Chalmetto batteries; present at the surrender of New Orleans; and in the attack on the batteries below Vicksburg, in 1862. Joined the Richmond in September, 1863. Afterwards appointed a gunner in the navy."
A Buckley-class destroyer-escort, the U.S.S. Cronin, was named in his honor.
Official Citation:
CRONIN, CORNELIUS
Rank and organization: Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1836, Michigan. Accredited to: Michigan. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond in action at Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Cool and vigilant at his station throughout the prolonged action, Cronin watched for signals and skillfully steered the ship as she trained her guns on Fort Morgan and on ships of the Confederacy despite extremely heavy return fire. He participated in the actions at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, with the Chalmette batteries, at the surrender of New Orleans, and in the attacks on batteries below Vicksburg.
Black and white photographic portrait of William McKnight, a Medal of Honor recipient, for service during the Civil War.
The inscription on the reverse states that McKnight served onboard the U.S.S. Veruna and participated in attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip on April 24, 1862 during the Civil War. The record holds that McKnight did his duty "through the thickest of the fight, with great coolness and danger to the enemy."
Official Citation:
McKNIGHT, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840 Ulster County, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 11, 3 April 1863. Citation: Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close range, while his ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient John H. Lawson, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War. Other medals worn by the sitter are the Navy Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Medal and a GAR membership badge.
Lawson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Battle of Mobile Bay.
On August 5, 1864, Rear Admiral David Farragut commanded a Union fleet of fourteen wooden ships and four Monitors past Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay to attack the Confederate fleet positioned there. Farragut famously climbed the mast of the U.S.S. Hartford and had himself secured with ropes to better view the battle. Out of the Union Monitors, only the Tecumseh was lost in the Confederate minefield at the mouth of the bay. Once in position, Farragut’s ships engaged the Confederate flotilla and the formidable ironclad, C.S.S. Tennessee. Farragut was eventually successful in capturing the well-armored Tennessee and subsequently engaged Fort Gaines and Fort Powell through the month of August, eventually forcing Fort Morgan to surrender. The battle was considered an important Union victory, depriving the Confederacy of its last significant Gulf port east of Texas although the city of Mobile itself was not taken.
The inscription on the reverse states that Lawson served as a Landsman on the Hartford, adding that he "was one of the six men stationed at the shell-whip on the berthdeck. A shell killed or wounded the whole number. Lawson was wounded in the leg and thrown with great violence against the side of the ship; but, as soon as he recovered himself, although begged to go below, he refused, and went back to the shell-whip, where he remained during the action."
Official Citation:
LAWSON, JOHN
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, Pennsylvania. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Wounded in the leg and thrown violently against the side of the ship when an enemy shell killed or wounded the 6-man crew as the shell whipped on the berth deck, Lawson, upon regaining his composure, promptly returned to his station and, although urged to go below for treatment, steadfastly continued his duties throughout the remainder of the action.
Black and white photographic portrait of William D. Newland.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Newland served as an Ordinary Seaman during the Civil War onboard the U.S.S. Oneida. He was mentioned as "having behaved splendidly, and as being distinguished on board for good conduct and faithful discharge of all duties."
Official Citation:
NEWLAND, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1841, Medway, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Oneida in the engagement at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Carrying out his duties as loader of the after 11-inch gun, Newland distinguished himself on board for his good conduct and faithful discharge of his station, behaving splendidly under the fire of the enemy and throughout the battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and the damaging of Fort Morgan.
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient James Miller, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Miller served as a Master's Mate onboard the U.S.S. Marblehead, and participated in the "engagement with the rebel batteries on Stono River," during the Civil War on December 25, 1863. The inscription goes on to state that Miller was "noted for bravery and coolness in casting the lead and giving the soundings wile exposed to a dangerous fire, and only retired, reluctantly, when ordered to do so; also commended for admirable management at the wheel."
Miller was born in Denmark and the U.S.S. Miller, a Fletcher-class destroyer, was named in his honor.
Official Citation:
MILLER, JAMES
Rank and organization. Quartermaster, U.S. Navy Born 1835 Denmark. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864 Citation: Served as quartermaster on board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, during an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Acting courageously under the fierce hostile fire, Miller behaved gallantly throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's withdrawal and abandonment of its arms.
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Daniel D. Stevens, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War.
The inscription on the reverse indicates that Daniel served as a Signal Quartermaster for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War on the Monitor Canonicus. Stevens "three times replaced the flag when shot away" during the assault on Fort Fisher, January, 1865.
Official Ciation:
STEVENS, DANIEL D.
Rank and organization. Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Sagnange, Tenn. Accredited to: Massachusetts. Letter 15 July 1870, Secretary of the Navy to Hon. S. Hooper. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Canonicus during attacks on Fort Fisher, on 13 January 1865. As the Canonicus moved into position at 700 yards from shore, the enemy troops soon obtained her range and opened with heavy artillery fire, subjecting her to several hits and near misses until late in the afternoon when the heavier ships coming into line drove them into their bombproofs. Twice during the battle, in which his ship sustained 36 hits, the flag was shot away and gallantly replaced by Stevens.
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Bartholemew Diggins, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War.
Diggins was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Battle of Mobile Bay, 1864.
On August 5, 1864, Rear Admiral David Farragut commanded a Union fleet of fourteen wooden ships and four Monitors past Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay to attack the Confederate fleet positioned there. Farragut famously climbed the mast of the U.S.S. Hartford and had himself secured with ropes to better view the battle. Out of the Union Monitors, only the Tecumseh was lost in the Confederate minefield at the mouth of the bay. Once in position, Farragut’s ships engaged the Confederate flotilla and the formidable ironclad, C.S.S. Tennessee. Farragut was eventually successful in capturing the well-armored Tennessee and subsequently engaged Fort Gaines and Fort Powell through the month of August, eventually forcing Fort Morgan to surrender. The battle was considered an important Union victory, depriving the Confederacy of its last significant Gulf port east of Texas although the city of Mobile itself was not taken.
The inscription on reverse states that Diggins served on the U.S.S. Hartford, as late ordinary seaman in the U.S. Navy, and received a Medal of Honor for "gallant and meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy, he having been commended by name in the official report of the officer commanding the gun division in which he served on the U. S. S. Hartford, on the 5th of August, 1864, in the action against Fort Morgan and the enemy's vessels in Mobile Bay, having served with credit in all the engagements in which the Hartford participated during the years 1862, 1863 and 1864, and was four times wounded. Medal awarded Nov. 12, 1891."
Diggins was born in Ireland and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Official Citation:
DIGGINS, BARTHOLOMEW
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 391, 12 November 1891. Citation: On board the flagship, U.S.S. Hartford, during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Diggins, as loader of a gun, remained steadfast at his post throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.
Black and white photographic portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Hugh Molloy, for service during the Civil War.
The inscription on the reverse of the portrait indicates that Molloy served as an Ordinary Seaman, participating in the "engagement near Harrisonburg, La., March 2, 1864," onboard a U.S. Navy gunboat where "a shell pierced the bow casement on the right of gun No. 1, mortally wounding the first sponger, who dropped his sponge out of the port on the forecastle. Molloy instantly jumped from the port to the forecastle, recovered the sponge, and sponged and loaded the gun while outside, exposed to a heavy fire of musketry."
Official Citation:
MOLLOY, HUGH
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1832, Illinois. Accredited to: Illinois. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Fort Hindman during the engagement near Harrisonburg, La., 2 March 1864. Following a shellburst which mortally wounded the first sponger, who dropped the sponge out of the forecastle port, Molloy jumped out of the port to the forecastle, recovered the sponge and sponged and loaded the gun for the remainder of the action from his exposed position, despite the extreme danger to his person from the raking fire of enemy musketry.
Black and white photographic portrait of John F. Mackie, a Medal of Honor recipient, wearing medal, for service during the Civil War. This sitter is also wearing a Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) membership badge with a one-star commander bar and a GAR Navy Veterans medal.
The inscription on the reverse states that Mackie served as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps on board U.S.S. Galena and participated in the attack on Fort Darling, at Drury's Bluff, James River, May 15, 1862. Macke was "particularly mentioned for his gallant conduct and services and signal acts of devotion to duty."
Official Citation:
MACKIE, JOHN F.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1836, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Galena in the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry's Bluff, James River, on 15 May 1862. As enemy shellfire raked the deck of his ship, Corporal Mackie fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits along the shore and, when ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, manned the weapon with skill and courage.
