John Lafferty
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| John Lafferty | |
|---|---|
| 1842 - 13 November 1903 | |
| Allegiance | United States Navy |
| Rank | First class fireman |
| Unit | USS Wyalusing, USS Alaska |
| Awards | Medal of Honor (2) |
John Lafferty or Laverty (1842 - 13 November 1903) is a two time recipient of the Medal of Honor.
His first award was due to his service aboard the USS Wyalusing. He participated in a plan to destroy the rebel ram CSS Albemarle in the Roanoke River, 25 May 1864. He earned his second award while serving on board the USS Alaska at Callao Bay, Peru, 14 September 1881.
During his Civil War service he enlisted as John Lafferty, and his 1st Medal is recorded under this name. However, when he re-enlisted in the Navy, he used the Laverty name, which is the one on his government issue headstone. He was one of five USS Wyalusing crew members to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Civil War (the others being Coal Heaver Charles Baldwin, Fireman Alexander Crawford, Coal Heaver Benjamin Lloyd, and Coxswain John W. Lloyd).
