John Eglit

Facing shore fire during Cuba's cable cutting

John Eglit was born in Finland on October 17, 1874. He served in the U.S. Navy as a seaman aboard USS Nashville during the Spanish-American War.

On May 11, 1898, at Cienfuegos, Cuba, Eglit took part in cutting the cable leading from the port. His Medal of Honor citation recognizes the extraordinary bravery and composure he displayed under heavy enemy fire throughout the operation. The citation does not specify an individual rescue or give further details about his assigned task.

Commander Raymond P. Rodgers presented the medal at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts on August 16, 1899. Eglit died on January 31, 1914, in the Atlantic Ocean off the northeastern United States. His body was not recovered; Arlington National Cemetery commemorates him with an in-memory marker. His award preserves recognition of steady naval service under fire.

Official Medal of Honor citation: On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Eglit set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.