| Henry Lakin Simpson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1859 London, England |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Cadet-Engineer |
| Unit | USS Essex |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Henry Lakin Simpson (born 1859, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He later graduated from the United States Naval Academy.
Born in London, England, in 1859, Simpson immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy from New York. By October 31, 1877, he was serving as a first class fireman on the USS Essex, which was at Monrovia, Liberia. On that day, he and another sailor, Ordinary Seaman John Millmore, rescued their shipmate Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers from drowning. For this action, both Simpson and Millmore were awarded the Medal of Honor seven years later, on October 18, 1884.[1]
Simpson was later accepted into the United States Naval Academy as an engineering student (then known as cadet-engineers). He was admitted to the class of 1882, but resigned his appointment on February 28, 1881, before graduating.[2][3]
Simpson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For rescuing from drowning John W. Powers, ordinary seaman on board the U.S.S. Essex, at Monrovia, Liberia, 31 October 1877.[1]