Rank Seaman | Name George Harrison | |
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Born April 9, 1841Middleton, Massachusetts ( 1841-04-09 ) Died January 18, 1919(1919-01-18) (aged 76) Allegiance United States of AmericaUnion Service/branch United States NavyUnion Navy Years of service 1862 - 1864, 1865 - 1867 | ||
George H. Harrison (April 9, 1841 – January 18, 1919) was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.
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Biography
Harrison was born on April 9, 1841 in Middleton, Massachusetts, and joined the Navy in March 1862. On June 19, 1864 he was serving on the sloop of war USS Kearsarge when she sank the commerce raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France. He was awarded his Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire while crewing the ship's 11 inch pivot gun. He was discharged from the Navy in November 1864, but re-enlisted a few months later, serving until 1867.
Harrison died on January 18, 1919 and was buried in Forestdale Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, Massachusetts. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No. 45, December 31, 1864.
Citation:
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as sponger and loader of the 11-inch pivot gun during the bitter engagement, Harrison exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by the divisional officer.