Battles/wars American Civil War Service/branch Union Navy | Awards Medal of Honor Name Robert Strahan | |
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Allegiance United States of America, Union | ||
Battles and wars American Civil War | ||
Robert Strahan (born 21 March 1838) was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.
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Biography
Strahan was born on 21 March 1838 in New Jersey. On June 19, 1864 he was serving as Captain of the Top 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 exhibited while crewing the ship's Number 1 gun. He left the service before his Medal of Honor was awarded and remains unclaimed to this day in a drawer in the Navy Museum Washington Navy Yard, Washington DC
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Birth: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864. Accredited to: New Jersey.
Citation:
Served as captain of the top on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of the No. 1 gun, Strahan carried out his duties in the face of heavy enemy fire and exhibited marked coolness and good conduct throughout the engagement. Strahan was highly recommended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievements.