John Everetts

Attempting a rescue from Cushing at sea

John Everetts was born on August 25, 1873, in Thorold, Canada. He served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate third class aboard USS Cushing.

On February 11, 1898, Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge fell overboard while the ship was at sea. Everetts attempted to save him, displaying the gallant conduct recognized by his Medal of Honor. The citation records an attempted rescue, and its reference to the late ensign makes clear that Breckenridge did not survive.

Everetts received the medal in December 1898. He died on September 12, 1956, and was buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. His award preserves recognition of a sailor's courage in trying to save another man's life, even when the rescue did not succeed.

Official Medal of Honor citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Cushing, 11 February 1898, Everetts displayed gallant conduct in attempting to save the life of the late Ens. Joseph C. Breckenridge, U.S. Navy, who fell overboard at sea from that vessel.