John P. Johanson

He faced enemy fire while cutting the cable from Cienfuegos.

John Peter Johanson was born on January 22, 1865, in Oskarshamn, Sweden. He served in the United States Navy as a seaman aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War.

On May 11, 1898, at Cienfuegos, Cuba, he participated in the operation to cut the cable leading from the port. Under heavy enemy fire, he displayed the courage and composure recognized by his Medal of Honor.

Johanson later attained the rating of chief boatswain's mate. He died on December 14, 1937, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His Medal of Honor commemorates his conduct during the cable-cutting operation.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

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