Heroes of USSKearsarge






Ron Tarburton, the newest member of the afterguard, has done an incredible amount of detailed research on the photographic history of the Kearsarge crew. Especially her medal of honor recipients. He's quick to point out that many have contributed to his research and he has gathered his data from many sources. These would include William Marvel's book "The Alabama and the Kearsarge" and The National Archives. As Newton said "If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants." I think he's being modest.

The following are photo's he has researched. He has been able to identify quite a few of the sailors and has discovered many interesting stories related to them. The following is a compilation of photos and anecdotes. They document the gallant heroism of the USS Kearsarge's crew and the United States Navy

This is by no means all the information he has supplied. Over the next few weeks I'll continue to add details.




Rondin Photo 19th of June 1864 Cherbourg, France

From Left to Right
#1- Quartermaster James Saunders-Medal of Honor Recipient
#2- Quartermaster Charles Butts
#3- Quartergunner and Captain of the Afterguard John W. Dempsey (Looking Pale and weak, his arm had been amputated less than 48 hours earlier but he insisted on being in the photo.)
#4- Boatswain James C. Walton
#5- 2nd Class Boy Manuel Jose Gallardo (12 years old)
#6- Extreme Rear Center- Quarter Gunner Andrew Rowley
#7- Captain of the Afterguard Henry Cook
#8- Midshipman Edward Preble- Officer in charge of this division
#9- Quartermaster William B. Poole- Helmsman at the time of the battle- Medal of Honor Recipient
#10- Acting Master Ezra Bartlett
#11-Quartermaster William W. Gurney





Rondin Photo 30th of June 1864 Cherbourg, France

#1- Quartermaster William Smith- Medal of Honor Recipient
#2- Boatswainsmate Perry- Medal of Honor Recipient
#3- Coxswain Hayes- Medal of Honor Recipient
#4- SM. Joachim Pease- Medal of Honor Recipient
#5- James Haley- Medal of Honor Recipient
#6- Robert Strahan- Medal of Honor Recipient
#7- James Lee- Medal of Honor Recipient
#8- Charles A. Read- Medal of Honor Recipient
#9- Fireman True Priest- Cited for Conduct
#10- Mathew Bickford- Medal of Honor Recipient
#11- Quartermaster Gurney- Helmsman
#12- Yeoman DeWitt
#13- Signal Quartermaster James Saunders (Standing on rail)- Medal of Honor Recipient
#14- Patrick Mc Keever
#15-Charles A. Poole



3rd Assistant Engineer Sidney L. Smith circa 1880's, I mistakenly identified the ribbon on his chest as the MOH, it is actually a Navy GAR ribbon modeled after the MOH. He was cited by his division officer for coolness under fire in responding to a fire that broke out on the quarterdeck and was subsequently advanced in rank.




USN Congressional Medal of Honor





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