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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.

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Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Richard Pile — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

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

Richard Pile

Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

His brave conduct helped avert further deaths near Greytown.

Richard Pile earned the Medal of Honor for heroism near Greytown, Nicaragua, on April 12, 1872. An ordinary seaman aboard USS Kansas, he acted during an incident in which Commander A. F. Crosman and others drowned.

The official citation credits Pile’s calm conduct and personal efforts with preventing greater loss of life. It does not specify the individual rescues he performed.

Born in Barbados in 1849, Pile served in the United States Navy and was accredited to Massachusetts for the award. His Medal of Honor recognizes lifesaving courage during peacetime naval service.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas, Pile displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A.F. Crosman and others were drowned near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by his extraordinary heroism and personal exertion prevented greater loss of life.

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