August Chandron

He leapt into Alexandria waters to save a drowning shipmate.

August Chandron was born in France in 1866 and entered the United States Navy from New York while still a teenager. By 1885 he was serving as a seaman apprentice, second class, aboard USS Quinnebaug on the European Station.

On the morning of 21 November 1885, while Quinnebaug was at Alexandria, Egypt, Ordinary Seaman William Evans was in danger of drowning. Chandron jumped overboard. With the aid of Boatswain’s Mate Hugh Miller, he rescued Evans from the water. Both rescuers received the Medal of Honor for their conduct.

Chandron left the Navy in August 1887. Later historical accounts place his death on 28 March 1947 at Cliffside Park, New Jersey. His Medal of Honor survives in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command at the Washington Navy Yard. Its inscription records his name, rating, ship and the Alexandria rescue.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt, on the morning of 21 November 1885. Jumping overboard from that vessel, Chandron, with the aid of Hugh Miller, boatswain's mate, rescued William Evans, ordinary seaman, from drowning.