John Fairfield Bickford

He Faced the Alabama Behind an Eleven-Inch Gun

John Fairfield Bickford was born on March 12, 1843, in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Raised in a maritime community, he grew up in an environment closely connected with the sea. When the American Civil War began, Bickford entered the United States Navy, beginning a wartime career that would place him aboard one of the most famous Union warships of the conflict.

In January 1862, Bickford joined USS Kearsarge. Serving initially as an enlisted sailor, he became a Captain of the Top, a naval rating associated with responsibility for sailors working aloft and with broader shipboard duties. His skill and reliability eventually brought him into an important combat position within the ship’s gun crew.

By 1864, Kearsarge had been operating in European waters while searching for Confederate commerce raiders. Among the most dangerous of these was CSS Alabama, which had spent nearly two years attacking Union merchant shipping around the world. When Alabama entered Cherbourg, France, for repairs, Kearsarge took up a position offshore and waited.

On June 19, 1864, Alabama steamed out from Cherbourg to confront Kearsarge. The two vessels met in international waters off the French coast and began one of the most celebrated single-ship naval engagements of the Civil War.

During the battle, Bickford served as first loader at Kearsarge’s forward eleven-inch Dahlgren pivot gun. His duty required him to work directly with one of the ship’s most powerful weapons while both vessels maneuvered and exchanged heavy gunfire at close range. The engagement demanded discipline, accuracy, and steady performance from every member of the gun crews.

Bickford remained composed throughout the battle. His conduct under fire was specifically recognized by his divisional officer, who recommended him for the gallantry and steadiness he displayed while serving his gun. Kearsarge’s carefully directed fire gradually overwhelmed Alabama, which was severely damaged and ultimately sank after the Confederate commander struck his colors.

The destruction of CSS Alabama was a major symbolic and strategic victory for the Union Navy. Alabama had become internationally famous for its campaign against American merchant shipping, and its defeat off Cherbourg ended the career of one of the Confederacy’s most successful commerce raiders.

Bickford’s performance during the engagement brought further advancement. In July 1864, he was appointed Acting Master’s Mate, a promotion that reflected the confidence placed in his abilities and marked the highest verified rank of his naval career.

For his conduct during the battle with Alabama, John Fairfield Bickford received the Medal of Honor. His award was authorized under General Order No. 45 on December 31, 1864. The decoration recognized his courage and disciplined service at the eleven-inch gun during the June 19 engagement off Cherbourg.

Bickford continued serving in the Navy until 1865, completing more than three years of wartime service. After leaving the Navy, he returned to Massachusetts and resumed civilian life, maintaining his connection with the Gloucester community.

John Fairfield Bickford died in Gloucester on April 28, 1927, more than six decades after the battle that had defined his naval service.

His legacy is inseparable from USS Kearsarge and the destruction of CSS Alabama. As shells crossed the water off Cherbourg, Bickford remained at one of Kearsarge’s heaviest guns, loading and serving it with remarkable steadiness under fire. His performance during that famous naval duel earned him the Medal of Honor and secured his place among the recognized heroes of the Union Navy.