Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy

Alexander Crawford

Details
  • Rank: Fireman
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Wyalusing
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: May 25, 1864
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Roanoke River, North Carolina, USA
Citation
On board the U.S.S. Wyalusing, Crawford volunteered 25 May 1864, in a night attempt to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle in the Roanoke River. Taking part in a plan to explode the rebel ram Albemarle, Crawford executed his part in the plan with perfection, but upon being discovered, was forced to abandon the plan and retire, leaving no trace of the evidence. After spending two hazardous days and nights without food, he gained the safety of a friendly ship and was then transferred back to the Wyalusing. Though the plan failed, his skill and courage in preventing detection were an example of unfailing devotion to duty.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Born: 1842, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, United States
  • Died: March 17, 1886
  • Buried: Cedar Hill Cemetery (MH) (A-65-2), Philadelphia, PA, United States
 

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