John Dempsey (Medal of Honor)
John Dempsey (1848-1884) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
John Dempsey | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1848 Ireland |
| Died | September 14, 1884 San Francisco, California |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS Kearsarge |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Born in 1848 in Ireland, Dempsey immigrated to the United States and joined the U.S. Navy from Massachusetts. By January 23, 1875, he was serving as a seaman on the USS Kearsarge. On that day, while Kearsarge was at Shanghai, China, he jumped overboard and rescued a shipmate from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.[1]
Dempsey's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
On board the U.S.S. Kearsarge at Shanghai, China, 23 January 1875. Displaying gallant conduct, Dempsey jumped overboard from the Kearsarge and rescued from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.[1]
References
- "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
External links
- "John Dempsey". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
- "John Dempsey". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
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