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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Lebbeus Simkins — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Coxswain
Service Era: American Civil War, Battle of Mobile Bay
Medals Recorded: 1

Lebbeus Simkins

Coxswain, U.S. Navy

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American Civil WarBattle of Mobile Bay

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Kept a battered ship fighting through the fire of Mobile Bay!

Lebbeus Simkins was born in Utica, New York, in 1836; the Society also records the spelling Simpkins. The sources reviewed do not establish additional prewar occupation or family details.

A U.S. Navy coxswain aboard USS Richmond, he served during the 5 August 1864 Mobile Bay battle. Despite damage to the ship and casualties among its crew, he continued his duties through the fighting against Confederate vessels and batteries.

He died in Sacramento on September 10, 1884, and was buried in the City Cemetery’s I.O.O.F. Tier.

The Medal of Honor Society records his Medal of Honor for this action. The Navy Civil War Campaign Medal is a separate service award.

Sources: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/lebbeus-simkins; https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/awards/decorations/medal-of-honor/civil-war-medal-of-honor-recipients.html; https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/awards/service-campaign/usn-civil-war-medal.html

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