Joseph Matthews (Medal of Honor)

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Joseph Matthews
Born1849
Malta
DiedNovember 11, 1912 (aged 62–63)
Place of burial
Palmetto Cemetery Brunswick, Georgia
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankCaptain of the Top
UnitUSS Constitution
AwardsMedal of Honor

Joseph Matthews (1849 - November 11, 1912) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography[]

Matthews was born 1849 in Malta. After immigrating to the United States, he joined the navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Constitution as captain of the top when, on February 13, 1879, he risked his life to cut the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains in a heavy gale. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor on October 18, 1884.[1][2]

He died on November 11, 1912, and he is buried in Palmetto Cemetery, Brunswick, Georgia.[3]

Medal of Honor citation[]

Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1849, Malta. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884.

Citation:

For courageous conduct in going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains.[1]

See also[]

  • List of Medal of Honor recipients during peacetime

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Interim Awards, 1871-98; Matthews, Joseph entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  2. ^ "Constitution". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  3. ^ Don Morfe (April 25, 2010). "Joseph Matthews". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved October 5, 2010.

External links[]

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