George Frederick Mager

He cut a Cuban cable while enemy rifle fire swept the boats.

George Frederick Mager was born on February 23, 1875, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He served in the United States Navy as an apprentice first class aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War.

On May 11, 1898, Mager took part in the operation to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. Enemy fire threatened the sailors carrying out the mission. His Medal of Honor citation recognized his exceptional bravery and composure throughout the action.

Mager survived the operation and received the Medal of Honor. He died on April 12, 1938, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Trenton, New Jersey. His award commemorates courage during a dangerous naval mission 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, Mager displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.