Rank Coxswain Died June 22, 1926 Battles/wars Civil War | Awards Medal of Honor Name Maurice Wagg Unit USS Rhode Island | |
Born July 23, 1840
London, England ( 1840-07-23 ) Allegiance United States of America | ||
Service/branch United States Navy Battles and wars American Civil War | ||
Maurice Wagg was a veteran of the American Civil War and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Contents
Sinking of the USS Monitor
On December 30, 1862, the USS Monitor floundered near Cape Hatteras. Wagg, a sailor on the USS Rhode Island helped to pull crew members of the USS Monitor into one of the Rhode Island's lifeboats. Wagg and several members of the crew of the Rhode Island were credited with saving the lives of four officers and twelve crew members. As a result of his actions, Wagg was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to the rank of Acting Master's Mate. He and six other sailors of the USS Rhode Island were the first individuals to receive the Medal of Honor for a non-combat action.
Citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Rhode Island, which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the Monitor off Hatteras, 31 December 1862. Participating in the hazardous task of rescuing the officers and crew of the sinking Monitor, Wagg distinguished himself by meritorious conduct during this operation.