James H. Bennett

He cut the cable under heavy enemy fire off Cienfuegos, Cuba

James Harvey Bennett earned the Medal of Honor during the Spanish-American War. Born in Haverstraw, New York, on April 5, 1851, he served as a chief boatswain’s mate aboard USS Marblehead. The Medal of Honor record also lists him as John B. Quirk.

On May 11, 1898, Bennett took part in cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. Under heavy enemy fire, he maintained the courage and composure recognized in his official citation. The award honored the example he set during the exposed naval operation.

Bennett received his Medal of Honor during his lifetime. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1900, and was buried in Cold Spring Cemetery in New York. His award commemorates his conduct while the sailors carried out their mission under fire.

Official Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Bennett set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.