Joseph John Franklin

Cutting enemy cables while under fire in Cienfuegos harbour.

Joseph John Franklin served as a Marine private aboard USS Nashville during the Spanish-American War. At Cienfuegos, Cuba, on May 11, 1898, he demonstrated exceptional bravery and composure under enemy fire during the operation to cut the communications cable.

Born in Buffalo, New York, on June 18, 1870, Franklin received the Medal of Honor at the Charlestown Navy Yard on August 16, 1899. He later attained the rank of Marine gunner. He died in Philadelphia on April 28, 1940, and was buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.

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, Franklin set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.