George E. Read

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George E. Read (1838 - 1910) was an American sailor who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.

Read was born in Rhode Island in 1838. On June 19, 1864 he was serving as a Seaman on the sloop of war USS Kearsarge when she sank the commerce raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France. He was awarded his Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire exhibited while crewing the ship's Number 2 gun.

Poole died in 1910 and is buried in Ancient Littleneck Cemetery in East Providence, Rhode Island.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838, Rhode Island. Accredited to: Rhode Island. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864

Citation:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as the first loader of the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Read exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.