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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)

Philip Gaughan — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: First Sergeant
Service Era: Spanish-American War
Medals Recorded: 3

Philip Gaughan

First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

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Spanish-American War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy
Sampson Medal
- USS Nashville
Spanish Campaign Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

A Marine's composure under fire at Cienfuegos

Philip Gaughan was born on 17 March 1865 in Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland. He served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps aboard USS Nashville.

On 11 May 1898, Gaughan took part in cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and composure under heavy enemy fire during the Spanish-American War operation.

Commander Raymond Rodgers presented Gaughan with the Medal of Honor at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts on 16 August 1899. Gaughan later became a first sergeant. He died on 31 December 1913 in Philadelphia and is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.

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

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