Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy
John G Morrison
- Rank: Coxswain
- Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Carondelet - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: July 15, 1862
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Yazoo River, Mississippi, USA
Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. Carondelet, Morrison was commended for meritorious conduct in general and especially for his heroic conduct and his inspiring example to the crew in the engagement with the rebel ram Arkansas, Yazoo River, 15 July 1862. When the Carondelet was badly cut up, several of her crew killed, many wounded, and others almost suffocated from the effects of escaped steam, Morrison was the leader when boarders were called on deck and the first to return to the guns and give the ram a broadside as she passed. His presence of mind in time of battle or trial is reported as always conspicuous and encouraging.
- Accredited to: Lansingburg, Tompkins County, New York
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Born: November 3, 1842, Ireland
- Died: June 9, 1897
- Buried: Cypress Hills Cemetery (Private) (MH), Brooklyn, NY, United States
Even though John G. Morrison earned his Medal of Honor for his service on board the USS Carondelet, he was never in the U.S. Navy. At the time of his Medal of Honor action, he was on detached service from the 30th New York Infantry. He had enlisted in the 30th New York Infantry in June 1861 and volunteered to serve on a gunboat in February 1862. He was discharged from the 30th NY Infantry in June 1863. In September 1864, he reinlisted in the 21st New York Cavalry and was discharged in May 1865, after the Civil War ended. He settled in Brooklyn, New York, and continued his pre-war occupation as a brushmaker.