Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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

John McGowan

Details
  • Rank: Quartermaster
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Varuna
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 24, 1862
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Forts Jackson & St. Philip, Louisiana, USA
Citation
McGowan occupied one of the most responsible positions in the U.S.S. Varuna, during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. Although guns were raking the decks from behind him, McGowan remained steadfast at the wheel throughout the thickest of the fight, continuing at his station and rendering service with the greatest courage and skill until his ship, repeatedly holed and twice rammed by the enemy, was beached and sunk.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New York, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Born: 1831, Ireland
  • Died:
 

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