George E. Read

George E. Read
Born 1838
Rhode Island
Died 1910 (aged 7172)
Place of burial Ancient Littleneck Cemetery, East Providence, Rhode Island
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Navy
Union Navy
Rank Seaman
Unit USS Kearsarge
Battles/wars American Civil War
Awards Medal of Honor

George E. Read (1838–1910) was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.

Biography

Read was born Rhode Island in 1838. On June 19, 1864 he was serving as a Seaman on the sloop of war USS Kearsarge (1861) when she sank the commerce raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France. He was awarded his Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire exhibited while crewing the ship's Number 2 gun.

Read died in 1910 and is buried in Ancient Littleneck Cemetery in East Providence, Rhode Island.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838, Rhode Island. Accredited to: Rhode Island. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864

Citation:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as the first loader of the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Read exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.

See also

References