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Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy
Charles A Read
Details
Rank: Coxswain
Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
Unit/Command: U.S.S. Kearsarge
Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor Action Date: June 19, 1864
Medal of Honor Action Place: off Cherbourg, France
Citation
Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as the first sponger of the pivot gun during this bitter engagement, Read exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.