Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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

Dennis Conlan

Details
  • Rank: Seaman (Highest Rank: Gunner's Mate)
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Agawam
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: December 23, 1864
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Fort Fisher, North Carolina, USA
Citation
Conlan served on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 23 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew again boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than two hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the forts.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New York, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 12, 1865
    On board the U.S.S. Agawam, off New Bern, North Carolina
  • Born: 1838, New York, NY, United States
  • Died: December 2, 1870, New York, NY, United States
  • Buried: Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY, United States
 

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