John William Heard

Relaying engine orders under fire aboard Wanderer

John William Heard was born on March 27, 1860, in Woodstock, Mississippi. He served as a first lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Cavalry during the Spanish-American War.

On July 23, 1898, at the mouth of the Manimani River in Cuba, Wanderer became disabled under Spanish fire. Two men were shot down while transmitting orders to its engine room. Heard took their exposed position and relayed the orders himself, remaining there until the ship was out of danger.

His Medal of Honor was presented on June 21, 1899. He later attained the rank of brigadier general. Heard died on February 4, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is buried at the United States Military Academy Cemetery at West Point. His award commemorates his courage in helping the endangered vessel escape.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

After two men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger.