Hugh Miller

Helping save a shipmate in Alexandria’s waters

Hugh Miller received the Medal of Honor for helping rescue a sailor from drowning in Egypt. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1859, he served in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain’s mate aboard USS Quinnebaug.

On the morning of November 21, 1885, at Alexandria, Miller jumped overboard and, with fellow sailor August Chandron, assisted in saving Ordinary Seaman William Evans. His official citation credits him with taking part in the rescue. It recognizes lifesaving courage during naval service away from the United States.

Miller received his Medal of Honor during his lifetime. His award commemorates the assistance he gave a fellow sailor in immediate danger.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Quinnebaug, at Alexandria, Egypt, on the morning of 21 November 1885 and assisting in saving a shipmate from drowning.