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Photo # NH 105630:  Medal of Honor awarded to John Griffiths

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Captain of the Forecastle John Griffiths, USN, (Born in 1835)

John Griffiths was born in 1835 in Wales. He emigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of Massachusetts, serving as Captain of the Forcastle on board USS Santiago de Cuba in the American Civil War. During the 15 January 1865 assault on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, he was one of six Navy men who entered the fort at the height of battle. For his performance on that occasion, Griffiths was awarded the Medal of Honor.

This page features the only image we have concerning John Griffiths.


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Photo #: NH 105630

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor


Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Captain of the Forecastle John Griffiths, USN, of USS Santiago de Cuba who was one of six men to enter Fort Fisher, North Carolina during the land assault on 15 January 1865.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 92KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Captain of the Forecastle John Griffiths, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", pages 26 & 27):

"On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, GRIFFITHS bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was one of 6 men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 24 March 2008