John McFarland

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John C. McFarland
1840 – October 3, 1881

Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Rank	Captain
Unit	USS Ohio USS Hartford
Battles/wars	Battle of Mobile Bay
Awards	Medal of Honor

John C. McFarland (1840–1881) was a sailor in the United States Navy and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

1 Biography
2 Namesake
3 Medal of Honor citation
4 See also
5 Notes
6 References

[edit] Biography

McFarland entered the Navy at Boston, Massachusetts on 24 December 1861 as seaman on Ohio, later transferring to Hartford in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rated captain of the forecastle, he had the station at the wheel in every engagement in which Hartford participated. During the Battle of Mobile Bay 4 and 5 August 1864. McFarland left his sickbed to take up station, keeping the wheel of Admiral David Farragut’s flagship throughout the storm of shell and shot. He was commended by his commanding officers for his fortitude and intelligence and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant and meritorious service.

McFarland died on October 3, 1881 at the age of 41.

[edit] Namesake

USS McFarland (DD-237) was named for him.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization:

Captain of the Forecastle, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Boston, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.

Citation:

Stationed at the wheel on board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful action against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864. With his ship under terrific enemy shellfire, McFarland performed his duties with skill and courage and, when the Lackawanna ran into his ship and every man at the wheel was in danger of being crushed, remained steadfast at his station and continued to steer the ship.^[1]