Richard H. Taylor

He faced a deadly hurricane aboard his ship in Apia harbour.

Richard Hamilton Taylor was born in Staunton, Virginia, on 8 September 1870. He joined the United States Navy and earned the Medal of Honor for gallantry aboard USS Nipsic during the hurricane at Apia, Samoa, on 16 March 1889. Serving as a Navy quartermaster, he faced a maritime disaster that endangered ships and crews in the harbor. His concise citation honors his conduct during the storm without describing a specific maneuver or rescue. Taylor’s award recognizes naval courage in an environmental emergency rather than a combat engagement.

The Navy recognized Taylor’s gallantry in General Order 157 of 20 April 1904. President Theodore Roosevelt presented his medal at the White House. Taylor later attained the rating of Schoolmaster. He died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on 24 March 1956 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Boston.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Nipsic, Taylor displayed gallantry during the hurricane at Apia, Samoa, 16 March 1889.