Charles Conway Hartigan

Medal of Honor for leadership under fire at Veracruz

Charles Conway Hartigan earned the Medal of Honor for leading a naval company through heavy rifle and machine-gun fire during the U.S. landing at Veracruz, Mexico, on 22 April 1914. His citation commended his skill in handling the company during the second day of fighting. Hartigan went on to serve for decades in the U.S. Navy and reached rear admiral.

Born in New York in 1882, Hartigan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906 and began a career that spanned the growth of the modern American fleet. At Veracruz, he was a lieutenant responsible for the movement and discipline of his company amid intense fire. His actions were recognized in 1915 with the Navy Medal of Honor, one of the service’s highest awards for courage.

Hartigan remained in the Navy through the First World War and the interwar years. He served in shipboard and staff assignments, including duty as a naval attaché in China, and later commanded the battleship USS Oklahoma. He retired in 1941 and was advanced to rear admiral on the retired list. He died in 1944 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

### Medal of Honor citation

“For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. During the second day’s fighting the service performed by him was eminent and conspicuous. He was conspicuous for the skillful handling of his company under heavy rifle and machinegun fire, for which conduct he was commended by his battalion commander.”

### Sources

1. U.S. Naval Academy. “Charles C. Hartigan.” Notable Graduates, Class of 1906. Birth, rank, service, and Medal of Honor citation. 2. National Medal of Honor Museum. “Hartigan, Charles Conway.” Recipient profile and citation. 3. U.S. Navy. *Record of Medals of Honor Issued to the Officers and Enlisted Men of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, 1862–1917*. Official citation and General Order No. 177.