Record of Medals of Honor issued to the officers and enlisted men of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, 1862-1923

In Short

Record of Medals of Honor Issued to the Officers and Enlisted Men of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, 1862-1923 is a detailed compilation of the individuals who received the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry and heroism during this period. It includes names, ranks, and brief descriptions of the actions that led to the award, covering conflicts such as the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. The book serves as a historical record of bravery and sacrifice, honoring those who upheld the values of the U.S. naval service.

The Story

The Record of Medals of Honor is a chronological and alphabetical listing of recipients, beginning with the Civil War and extending through World War I and various other conflicts and peacetime actions. Each entry includes the recipient's name, rank, and a concise description of the heroic act that warranted the Medal of Honor. The book highlights the diverse roles and responsibilities of naval personnel, from combat engagements to rescue missions and acts of selflessness in the line of duty.

During the Civil War, many recipients were recognized for their actions in battles such as Mobile Bay, Fort Fisher, and the siege of Vicksburg. For example, John Edwards, a captain of the top on the U.S.S. Lackawanna, was honored for his bravery despite being wounded. In the Spanish-American War, individuals like Joseph E. Carter and Daniel Campbell were commended for their roles in cutting enemy cables under heavy fire.

The Boxer Rebellion in China saw recipients such as John M. Adams and Harry C. Adriance recognized for their distinguished conduct in battles near Tientsin. World War I brought new heroes, including Joel T. Boone, a surgeon who provided medical aid under intense enemy fire, and Louis Cukela, who captured enemy machine guns single-handedly.

Peacetime acts of heroism are also documented, such as Edward Boers' response to a boiler explosion on the U.S.S. Bennington and William Gowan's bravery during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile. The book concludes with entries from the early 1920s, including Walter Atlee Edwards' rescue mission during the destruction of the French transport Vinh-Long.

How It Unfolds

The Civil War era: Entries from the 1860s detail acts of bravery during the Civil War, such as Aaron Anderson's assistance in loading a howitzer under fire and William Bond's marked coolness during the battle of Mobile Bay. The Spanish-American War: Recipients like Joseph E. Carter and Daniel Campbell are recognized for their roles in cutting enemy cables under heavy fire during the Spanish-American War. The Boxer Rebellion: Entries from 1900-1901 highlight heroism during the Boxer Rebellion, including John M. Adams and Harry C. Adriance's distinguished conduct in battles near Tientsin. World War I: Recipients from World War I, such as Joel T. Boone and Louis Cukela, are honored for their extraordinary heroism in combat, including medical aid under fire and capturing enemy positions. Peacetime heroism: Entries from the early 1900s document peacetime acts of bravery, such as Edward Boers' response to a boiler explosion and William Gowan's actions during a conflagration in Chile. Post-World War I: The book concludes with entries from the early 1920s, including Walter Atlee Edwards' rescue mission during the destruction of the French transport Vinh-Long.

The People

John M. Adams: A sergeant in the Marine Corps, Adams is recognized for his distinguished conduct in battle near Tientsin during the Boxer Rebellion. Harry C. Adriance: A corporal in the Marine Corps, Adriance is honored for his bravery in the same battle as Adams. Michael Aheam: A paymaster's steward on the U.S.S. Kearsarge, Aheam exhibited marked coolness during the battle with the Alabama. Edward Allen: A boatswain's mate, Allen is recognized for his distinguished conduct in battles during the relief expedition in China. Aaron Anderson: A landsman, Anderson is honored for his gallant assistance in loading a howitzer under fire during the Civil War. Walter Atlee Edwards: A lieutenant commander, Edwards is recognized for his heroism in rescuing survivors from the French transport Vinh-Long in 1922. Louis Cukela: A sergeant in the Marine Corps, Cukela is honored for capturing enemy machine guns single-handedly during World War I. Joel T. Boone: A surgeon, Boone is recognized for providing medical aid under intense enemy fire during World War I.

In Its Own Voice

This record of the personnel who have shed luster upon the service by upholding the honor of the flag in storm and battle, by their devotion to the country and to each other, and by their unselfishness in risking their own lives to save others, is especially commended to the rising generation of American seamen, that they may emulate the deeds of their heroic predecessors, and maintain that high standard of gallantry which has always characterized the personnel of the United States naval service.

Preface emphasizes the book's purpose of inspiring future generations through the deeds of past heroes.

John M. Adams.

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle near Tientsin, China, July 13, 1900. (G.O. 55, July 19, 1901.)

Entry for John M. Adams provides a typical example of the book's format, detailing the recipient's rank, action, and citation.

Louis Cukela.

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps. "For extraordinary heroism in action in the Forest de Retz, near Viller Cottertes, France, July 18, 1918. Sergeant Cukela advanced alone against an enemy's strong point that was holding up his line, worked his way to its rear, and by the use of German hand grenades attacked and captured two machine guns and four men." (Act of February 4, 1919.)

Entry for Louis Cukela highlights the detailed descriptions of heroic actions during World War I.

What It's Really About

The Record of Medals of Honor is about recognizing and preserving the stories of individuals who demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness in service to their country. It serves as a historical document that honors the sacrifices made by naval personnel across various conflicts and peacetime incidents. The book underscores the values of bravery, duty, and camaraderie, providing a comprehensive overview of the Medal of Honor's significance in the U.S. naval service. It also acts as an inspirational resource, encouraging future generations to emulate the heroism of their predecessors.

Why Read It Today

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in military history, particularly the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It offers a detailed and inspiring account of individual acts of bravery, providing insights into the challenges faced by naval personnel in both wartime and peacetime. The concise entries make it easy to dip into, while the cumulative effect of reading about so many acts of heroism is deeply moving. However, readers should be prepared for the book's formal and repetitive structure, as each entry follows a similar format. The language and period attitudes reflected in the citations may also feel dated to modern readers. Despite these aspects, the book remains a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served, making it a worthwhile read for historians, military enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration from real-life heroes.