Hugh P. Mullin

Keeping a fallen apprentice afloat at Hampton Roads

Hugh Patrick Mullin earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing a young shipmate from drowning. Born in Richmond, Illinois, on March 20, 1878, he served as a U.S. Navy seaman aboard USS Texas.

On November 11, 1899, the ship was taking on coal at Hampton Roads, Virginia, when apprentice second class Alfred Kosminski fell overboard. Mullin jumped into the water despite wearing heavy rubber boots. At considerable personal risk, he supported Kosminski until others safely hauled the apprentice out.

Mullin received his Medal of Honor during his lifetime and later attained the rating of chief master-at-arms, recorded on his official headstone. He died on June 9, 1948, and was buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. His award commemorates a sailor’s swift action to keep a shipmate alive.

Official Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Texas during the coaling of that vessel at Hampton Roads, Va., 11 November 1899. Jumping overboard while wearing a pair of heavy rubber boots and at great risk to himself, Mullin rescued Alfred Kosminski, apprentice, second class, who fell overboard, by supporting him until he was safely hauled from the water.