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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)

Richard Bates (Medal of Honor) — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman
Medals Recorded: 1

Richard Bates (Medal of Honor)

Seaman, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Rescuing two sailors from drowning off Maine

Richard Bates earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing two sailors from drowning off Eastport, Maine, on May 10, 1866. A United States Navy seaman, he saved James Rose and John Russell of USS Winooski.

Born in Wales in 1829, Bates served in the United States Navy during the years following the Civil War. He was also known as Wyndham Richard Bates and was accredited to New York for his Medal of Honor.

Bates died in Brooklyn, New York, on December 7, 1889. He is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery under the name Wyndham R. Bates. His award recognizes a lifesaving act at sea.

Medal of Honor citation

For heroic conduct in rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of the U.S.S. Winooski, off Eastport, Maine, 10 May 1866.

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