| Joseph B. Noil | |
|---|---|
U.S. Navy poster featuring Joseph Noil |
|
| Born | 1841 Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | March 21, 1881 (aged 39–40) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | Saint Elizabeth's Hospital |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS Powhatan |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Joseph B. Noil (1841 – March 21, 1881) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor.
Joseph Noil enlisted in the Navy from New York. While serving on USS Powhatan at Norfolk, Virginia on December 26, 1872, he saved a drowning shipmate, Boatswain J.C. Walton. For his conduct on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Noil died at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 1881, and was buried in the hospital graveyard under the name of "Joseph B. Noel".[1] His grave was discovered by Don Morfe, who is one of a number of dedicated people who have made it their mission to identify and photograph the known resting places of Medal of Honor recipients.
Noil married Sarah Jane Gambier (1846 – March 6, 1896) of New York City;[2][3] they had two daughters, Florence Gambier Noil (October 1871 – October 5, 1933)[4] and Sarah E. Noil (b. 1876, date of death unknown).[5]
His granddaughter, Cora Hunter Parks, was an actress, dancer, and vaudeville artist who appeared in a number of Broadway shows. As a member of the group The Rhythmettes,[6] she sang "Optimistic Voices" in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz,[7] and on Broadway in 1939, again with the Rhythmettes, with Louis Armstrong, Moms Mabley, Oscar Polk and others, she sang and danced in the show Swingin' the Dream.[8]
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1841, Nova Scotia. Accredited to: New York.
Citation:
Serving on board the U.S.S. Powhatan at Norfolk, 26 December 1872, Noil saved Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning.