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Service Profile
- Branch
- U.S. Navy
- Rank
- Ordinary Seaman
- Medals Recorded
- 1
Awards & Decorations
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Jumping into the Delaware River to save a shipmate
Hugh King earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing a fellow sailor from drowning. Born in Ireland in 1845, he served as an ordinary seaman in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Iroquois.
On September 7, 1871, while the ship was on the Delaware River, King jumped overboard to reach a member of its crew. His official citation records that he rescued the sailor at imminent risk to his own life. The award recognized a lifesaving act during peacetime naval service.
King received the Medal of Honor during his lifetime. His citation commemorates his willingness to enter the water and protect a shipmate in danger.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Iroquois, Delaware River, 7 September 1871. Jumping overboard at the imminent risk of his life, King rescued one of the crew of that vessel from drowning.
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