Michael Gibbons (Medal of Honor)

Composure under fire during cable cutting at Cienfuegos

Michael Gibbons was born on 15 November 1866 in Ireland. He served as an oiler in the United States Navy aboard USS Nashville during the Spanish-American War.

On 11 May 1898, Gibbons took part in cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and composure under heavy enemy fire, earning the Medal of Honor.

Gibbons later held the rank of fireman first class. He died on 27 February 1933 in Rosow, County Mayo, Ireland, and is buried in Old Kilmeena Cemetery. His medal is held by the Irish Veterans Museum in Kinsale, County Cork.

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