William Henry Harrison Seeley

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William Henry Harrison Seeley VC (April 21, 1840 - October 1, 1914) was an American recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

[edit] Details

He was 24 years old, and an Ordinary Seaman in the Royal Navy during the Shimonoseki Expedition, Japan when, on 6 September 1864 at Shimonoseki, Japan, during the capture of the enemy's stockade, Ordinary Seaman Seeley of HMS Euryalus distinguished himself by carrying out a daring reconnaissance to ascertain the enemy's position, and then, although wounded, continuing to take part in the final assault on the battery. He was presented his medal at Southsea on September 22, 1865 together with Thomas Pride and Duncan Gordon Boyes who also won their Victoria Cross's at Shimonoseki. He is the first American citizen to win the Victoria Cross. His medal is not publicly displayed.

[edit] References

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)