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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)

Michael Deneef — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Captain of the Top
Medals Recorded: 1

Michael Deneef

Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He jumped overboard to save a sailor from drowning off Para.

Michael Deneef was born in Massachusetts in 1851. He served as captain of the top in the United States Navy aboard USS Swatara.

On 1 December 1875 at Para, Brazil, Deneef jumped overboard and rescued a member of Swatara's crew from drowning. His gallant conduct earned the Medal of Honor.

Deneef died on 28 January 1891 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He is buried in Brookdale Cemetery there. His citation records a lifesaving response on behalf of a fellow sailor.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Swatara at Para, Brazil, 1 December 1875. Displaying gallant conduct, Deneef jumped overboard and rescued one of the crew of that vessel from drowning.

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