Henry Peter Russell

Courage under fire during the Cienfuegos cable operation

Henry Peter Russell earned the Medal of Honor at Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 11 May 1898. A Navy landsman aboard USS Marblehead, he served during the operation to cut the cable leading from the port. Enemy fire made the task dangerous, but Russell maintained the courage and composure noted in his citation. His award records a sailor’s contribution to a hazardous naval operation during the Spanish-American War.

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, Russell displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.