Allegiance United States Died January 31, 1914 Rank Chief Master At Arms Awards Medal of Honor | Name John Eglit | |
Born October 17, 1874
Finland ( 1874-10-17 ) Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, United States | ||
Battles/wars Spanish–American War Battles and wars Spanish–American War Service/branch United States Navy | ||
John Eglit (born October 17, 1874 - January 31, 1914) was a seaman serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Contents
He continued to serve in the navy until being lost at sea while aboard the steamer Monroe off the shores of Virginia in 1914. His grave is located at Arlington National Cemetery.
Biography
Eglit was born October 17, 1874 in Finland and after entering the navy he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S. Nashville.
He continued to serve in the navy after the war and went on achieve the rank of Chief Master At Arms. On January 31, 1914 he was a passenger aboard the Old dominion steamer Monroe when it sank off Virginia’s eastern shore. He was declared lost at sea but was given a grave in site MI, site 306-A at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 17 October 1874, Finland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Eglit set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.