Richard Stout

He Lost an Arm as His Ship Fought to the End

Richard Stout was born in 1836 in Owego, New York. During the American Civil War, he entered the United States Navy and served as a landsman aboard USS Isaac Smith.

On January 30, 1863, Isaac Smith was operating on the Stono River in South Carolina when Confederate forces opened fire from concealed shore batteries. The Union vessel suddenly found itself caught in a dangerous engagement under heavy fire.

Stout remained at his duties as the ship's crew fought back. Isaac Smith continued returning fire even as Confederate guns damaged the vessel and casualties mounted.

During the battle, Stout was severely wounded and lost his right arm. Despite the intensity of the engagement and the devastating nature of his injury, his conduct under fire was later recognized as an example of conspicuous bravery.

The damage to Isaac Smith eventually became too severe for the ship to continue the fight. With the vessel disabled and wounded men aboard, the crew was forced to surrender, and the surviving sailors were taken prisoner.

Stout's courage during the engagement did not go unnoticed. On April 16, 1864, under Navy Department General Order No. 32, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry while serving aboard USS Isaac Smith during the action on the Stono River.

The battle left Stout permanently disabled, but he survived the war and returned to civilian life. His loss of an arm remained a lasting reminder of the price he had paid during the fighting.

Richard Stout died on August 6, 1896, in Owego, New York. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in his hometown.

His Medal of Honor legacy was forged aboard a ship trapped under concentrated enemy fire. Even as USS Isaac Smith was battered into surrender and Stout himself suffered a life-changing wound, he continued performing his duty in battle with courage and determination.