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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Freeman Gill — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Gunner's Mate First Class
Service Era: Spanish-American War
Medals Recorded: 3

Freeman Gill

Gunner's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy

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Spanish-American War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Sampson Medal
Spanish Campaign Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He cut a Cuban cable under enemy fire from the shore at sea.

Freeman Gill was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on 5 September 1851. He served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate first class aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War.

On 11 May 1898, Gill took part in the operation to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. His Medal of Honor citation recognized the example of bravery and composure he set while facing heavy enemy fire.

His award was accredited to Massachusetts. Gill died in Chelsea on 8 April 1905 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

His citation preserves his conduct during the hazardous cable-cutting operation off Cuba.

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, Gill set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

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