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Photo # NH 105358:  Medal of Honor awarded to Landsman Gurdon H. Barter, USN

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Landsman Gurdon H. Barter, USN, (1843-1900)

Gurdon H. Barter was born in 1843 in Williamsburg, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from that state and served as a Landsman on board the steam frigate Minnesota in the American Civil War. During the land assault on Fort Fischer, North Carolina on 15 January 1865, Barter demonstrated superior courage, remaining in the combat area despite overwhelming enemy fire and the retreat of most of those around him. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his "personal valor" on that occasion. Gordon H. Barter died on 22 April 1900 and is buried at Viola Cemetery, Viola, Idaho.

This page features the only image we have concerning Gurdon H. Barter.


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Photo #: NH 105358

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor


Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Landsman Gurdon H. Barter for his "personal valor" during the assault on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 15 January 1865.
He was then a crew member of USS Minnesota.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 99B; 535 x 765 pixels

 



U.S. Navy Medal of Honor citation of Landsman Gurdon H. Barter, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 14):

"On board the U.S.S. Minnesota in action during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, BARTER advanced to the top of the sand hill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed and wounded many officers and men. When more than two-thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark, when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors."


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 14 December 2007