Michael Aheam

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Michael Adams

Michael Adams, Medal of Honor recipient
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	Union Navy
Rank	Paymaster's Steward
Unit	USS Kearsarge
Battles/wars	American Civil War
Awards	Medal of Honor

Michael Aheam was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.

Aheam enlisted in the U.S. Navy in France, and was serving as a Paymaster's Steward aboard USS Kearsarge during her battle with the commerce raider CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France. His Medal of Honor citation (dated December 31, 1864) noted that he had been "highly recommended" by his divisional officer after "carrying out his duties courageously" and exhibiting "gallantry under enemy fire" with "marked coolness and good conduct". He was one of 17 Kearsarge sailors who received the medal for valor during this battle.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Paymaster's Steward, U.S. Navy. Enlisted in: France. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.

Citation:

Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously, PmS. Aheam exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by his divisional officer for gallantry under enemy fire.