Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Spanish-American War - U.S. Navy
Robert Volz
Details
- Rank: Seaman (Highest Rank: Gunner's Mate First Class)
- Conflict/Era: Spanish-American War
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Nashville - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 11, 1898
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Cienfuegos, Cuba
Citation
On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Volz displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness thoughout this period.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Virginia
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: August 16, 1899
Presented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown, MA, Navy Yard.
- Born: January 31, 1875, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA, United States
- Died: 1939, Avellaneda, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
From the CMOHS Archives
Robert Volz' first enlistment in the US Navy was in 1897. He re-enlisted in 1900. On October 11, 1904, he deserted the USS Atlanta at Buenos Aires, Argentina, while under guard awaiting a General Court Martial. He later became naturalized, married, and lived the rest of his life in Argentina, dying there sometime in 1939, according to records from that country.