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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

John Costello (Medal of Honor) — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Medals Recorded: 1

John Costello (Medal of Honor)

Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He rescued a drowning landsman off his ship at Philadelphia.

John Costello served as an ordinary seaman aboard USS Hartford. At Philadelphia on July 16, 1876, he rescued a landsman from drowning, earning the Medal of Honor for his gallantry.

Born in Rouses Point, New York, in 1850, Costello died in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on April 11, 1887. He was buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Roslindale, Massachusetts. His award commemorates lifesaving courage during peacetime naval service.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Hartford, Philadelphia, Pa., 16 July 1876. Showing gallantry, Costello rescued from drowning a landsman of that vessel.

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