Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy
Joseph Irlam
Details
- Rank: Seaman
- Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Brooklyn - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: August 5, 1864
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA
Citation
Stationed at the wheel on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. When heavy enemy fire struck down several men at their guns and replacements were not available, Irlam voluntarily released two men who were stationed with him and carried on at the wheel with the assistance of only one of the crew throughout the furious battle.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: New York, New York
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Born: 1840, Liverpool, England
- Died: April 20, 1876, Lost at Sea
- Buried: lost at sea