Richard Henry Seward

He Went Under Fire to Recover the Fallen

Richard Henry Seward was born on October 10, 1840, in Kittery, Maine. During the American Civil War, he entered the United States Navy and served aboard USS Commodore, a vessel operating in support of Union naval operations along the Gulf Coast.

Seward served as a paymaster’s steward, a shipboard position normally associated with administrative and supply responsibilities rather than frontline combat. Nevertheless, his wartime service placed him close to dangerous operations ashore and exposed him to enemy fire.

On November 23, 1863, during operations near Ship Island Sound, Louisiana, Seward voluntarily moved forward under heavy enemy fire. Two soldiers had been killed, and their bodies remained exposed in the dangerous area between the opposing forces.

Rather than leave the fallen men where they lay, Seward went forward and helped recover both bodies. The action required him to enter an area swept by hostile fire and return carrying the dead to safety.

His official recognition noted that this was not an isolated display of courage. The incident was described as his second recorded act of personal valor within a period of approximately two weeks, showing that his conduct under danger had already attracted attention before the November rescue.

Seward’s actions were formally recognized the following year. On April 16, 1864, under Navy General Order No. 32, he received the Medal of Honor for his bravery while serving aboard USS Commodore.

His naval service also brought advancement. After serving as a paymaster’s steward during the action for which he was decorated, Seward was promoted to Acting Master’s Mate, the highest verified rank associated with his military career.

Seward survived the Civil War and returned to civilian life after his naval service. He remained connected to his native Maine and lived for more than three decades after the conflict ended.

Richard Henry Seward died on May 30, 1899, and was buried at First Christian Church Cemetery in Kittery Point, Maine.

His Medal of Honor legacy rests on a quiet but dangerous act of duty. Under enemy fire, he voluntarily went forward to recover two fallen soldiers, choosing personal risk over leaving them behind on the battlefield.