List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War

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The Spanish-American War (Spanish: Guerra Hispano-Estadounidense, desastre del 98, Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana or Guerra de Cuba ) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States. It began in April 1898. Hostilities halted in August of that year. The Treaty of Paris was signed in December.

The war began after America demanded Spain peacefully end the Cuban fight for independence. The demand was rejected. Strong expansionist sentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain's remaining overseas territories. These territories included Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam and the Caroline Islands.[1]

Riots in Havana by pro-Spanish "Voluntarios" gave the United States a reason to send in the warship USS Maine. It was sent to indicate high American interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of the USS Maine. "Yellow journalism" added to it accusing Spain of doing a lot of bad things. This made the American public opinion show increased support of the conflict. The war ended after decisive naval victories for the United States in the Philippines and Cuba.

The Treaty of Paris ended the conflict 109 days after the outbreak of war. That gave the United States ownership of the former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War. It is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal it is commonly presented to the recipient after they are killed (posthumously).[2]

Recipients change

  This with the   indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Notes[3]
  Benjamin F. Baker Navy Coxswain aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Edward L. Baker, Jr. Army Sergeant Major Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 Left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning.
David D. Barrow Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Dennis Bell Army Private Tayabacoa, Cuba Jun 30, 1898 Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.
James H. Bennett Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
George Berg Army Private Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Albert Beyer Navy Coxswain aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Robert Blume Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
George F. Brady Navy Chief Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Winslow, Battle of Cárdenas, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the torpedo boat Winslow during the actions at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
George W. Bright Navy Coal Passer aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Oscar Brookin Army Private Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Ulysses G. Buzzard Army Corporal Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Daniel Campbell Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S.Marblehead during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Charles P. Cantrell Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Joseph E. Carter Navy Blacksmith aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Thomas Cavanaugh Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Potomac from Cat Island to Nassau Nov 14, 1898 On board the U.S.S.Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898.
Leonard Chadwick Navy Apprentice First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S.Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
  George Charrette Navy Gunner's Mate First Class USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
James R. Church Army Assistant Surgeon Las Guasimas, Cuba Jun 24, 1898 In addition to performing gallantly the duties pertaining to his position, voluntarily and unaided carried several seriously wounded men from the firing line to a secure position in the rear, each instance being subjected to a very heavy fire and great exposure and danger.
  Claus K. R. Clausen Navy Coxswain USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
Thomas C. Cooney Navy Chief Machinist aboard the USS Winslow, Battle of Cárdenas, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.Torpedo Boat Winslow during the action at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
William A. Crouse Navy Watertender aboard the USS Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands May 21, 1898 On board the U.S.S.Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, P.I., 21 May 1898.
Andrew J. Cummins Army Sergeant Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
John Davis Navy Gunner's Mate Third Class aboard U.S.S.Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
John F. De Swan Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
  Osborn Deignan Navy Coxswain USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
Thomas M. Doherty Army Corporal Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
John J. Doran Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Austin J. Durney Navy Blacksmith aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
John Eglit Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
John W. Ehle Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands May 21, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, 21 May 1898.
Nick Erickson Navy Coxswain aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Oscar W. Field Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
John Fitzgerald Marine Corps Private Cuzco, Cuba Jun 14, 1898 For heroism and gallantry in action.
Herbert L. Foss Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Frank O. Fournia Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
  Joseph J. Franklin Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Philip Gaughan Marine Corps Sergeant aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Michael Gibbons Navy Oiler aboard the USS Nashville near Cienfugos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Freeman Gill Navy Gunner's Mate First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Thomas J. Graves Army Private Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Benjamin F. Hardaway Army First Lieutenant Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
William Hart Navy Machinist First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  John William Heard Army First Lieutenant Mouth of Manimani River, west of Bahia Honda, Cuba Jul 23, 1898 After 2 men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger.
Henry Hendrickson Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Frank Hill Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Thomas Hoban Navy Coxswain aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Richmond P. Hobson Navy Lieutenant USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 3, 1898 In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898.
James L. Hull Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands May 21, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, 21 May 1898.
Franz A. Itrich Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate aboard the USS Petrel, Manila, Philippine Islands May 1, 1898 Serving in the presence of the enemy, Itrich displayed heroism during the action.
Alexander Jardine Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Potomac from Cat Island to Nassau Nov 14, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898.
John P. Johanson Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Johan J. Johansson Navy Ordinary Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Hans Johnsen Navy Chief Machinist aboard the USS Winslow, Battle of Cárdenas, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the torpedo boat Winslow during the action at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
Peter Johnson Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Vixen May 28, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Vixen on the night of 28 May 1898.
Michael Kearney Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Philip B. Keefer Navy Coppersmith aboard the USS Iowa off Santiago de Cuba Jul 20, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba, 20 July 1898.
William Keller Army Private Santiago de Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
  Francis Kelly Navy Watertender USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
Thomas Kelly Army Private Santiago de Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Franz Kramer Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Ernest Krause Navy Coxswain aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Hermann W. Kuchneister Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Fitz Lee Army Private Tayabacoa, Cuba Jun 30, 1898 Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts had been frustrated.
William Levery Navy Apprentice First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Harry L. MacNeal Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Brooklyn (CA-3), Battle of Santiago de Cuba Jul 3, 1898 For displaying gallantry while under fire.
George F. Mager Navy Apprentice First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
George Mahoney Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Vixen May 28, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Vixen on the night of 28 May 1898. Following the explosion of the lower front manhole gasket of boiler A of that vessel, Mahoney displayed great coolness and self-possession in entering the fireroom.
John Maxwell Navy Fireman Second Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
James Meredith Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Name changed to Patrick F.Ford, Jr.
  William Meyer Navy Carpenter's Mate Third Class aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness through this action.
  Harry H. Miller Navy Seaman aboard the U.S.S.Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Nashville, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.
  Willard Miller Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Albert Leopold Mills Army Captain and Assistant Adjutant General Near Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 Distinguished gallantry in encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after being shot through the head and entirely without sight.
  Daniel Montague Navy Chief Master-at-Arms USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
William H. Morin Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Jul 26, 1898 – Jul 27, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.
Frederick Muller Navy Mate aboard the USS Wompatuck, First Battle of Manzanillo, Cuba Jun 30, 1898 For displaying heroism and gallantry under fire.
  John E. Murphy Navy Coxswain USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
James J. Nash Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
George H. Nee Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Lauritz Nelson Navy Sailmaker's Mate aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
William Oakley Navy Gunner's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Anton Olsen Navy Ordinary Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Pomeroy Parker Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
  Robert Penn Navy Fireman First Class aboard the USS Iowa off Santiago de Cuba Jul 20, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba, 20 July 1898.
Herman Pfisterer Army Musician Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
  George F. Phillips Navy Machinist First Class USS Merrimac, harbor of Santiago de Cuba Jun 2, 1898 For displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.
Alfred Polond Army Private Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
John H. Quick Marine Corps Sergeant battle of Cuzco, Cuba Jun 14, 1898 Quick signaled the USS Dolphin on 3 different occasions while exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy.
Alexander M. Quinn Army Sergeant Santiago, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Norman W. Ressler Army Corporal Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
John P. Rilley Navy Landsman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Charles DuVal Roberts Army Second Lieutenant Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
  Theodore Roosevelt  Army Lieutenant Colonel Battle of San Juan Hill, near Santiago de Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Was awarded by President Bill Clinton on January 16, 2001. The only President to earn the Medal of Honor.
Henry P. Russell Navy Landsman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Joseph F. Scott Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Warren J. Shepherd Army Corporal Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
William Spicer Navy Gunner's Mate First Class aboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Jul 26, 1898 – Jul 27, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.
Edward Sullivan Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Axel Sundquist Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate aboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Jul 26, 1898 – Jul 27, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.
Gustav A. Sundquist Navy Ordinary Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
William H. Thompkins Army Private Tayabacoa, Cuba Jun 30, 1898 Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.
  Samuel Triplett Navy Ordinary Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Jul 26, 1898 – Jul 27, 1898 On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898. Displaying heroism, Triplett took part in the perilous work of sweeping for and disabling 27 contact mines during this period.
Albert Vadas Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Name changed to Albert Wadas.
Hudson Van Etten Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Robert Volz Navy Seaman aboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
George H. Wanton Army Private Tayabacoa, Cuba Jun 30, 1898 Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.
  Ira Clinton Welborn Army Second Lieutenant Santiago, Cuba Jul 2, 1898 Voluntarily left shelter and went, under fire, to the aid of a private of his company who was wounded.
Bruno Wende Army Private Battle of El Caney, Cuba Jul 1, 1898 For assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.
Walter S. West Marine Corps Private aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Julius A. R. Wilke Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.
Frank Williams Navy Seaman aboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, Cuba May 11, 1898 For displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.

Notes change

  1. "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War — Spanish American War". National Museum of American History. 2005. Archived from the original on 2009-05-30. Retrieved 2012-12-23.
  2. "Medal of Honor recipients". Spanish-American War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2009.

References change