Edward Sullivan

Cutting a communications cable under fire at Cienfuegos

Edward Sullivan served as a Marine private aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War. On 11 May 1898, he participated in the operation to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. The men conducting the mission worked under heavy enemy fire. Sullivan’s Medal of Honor recognized his bravery and composure throughout the action. He later held the rank of corporal. His award preserves the record of his service during a hazardous cable-cutting operation in the Cuban campaign.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Sullivan displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.