Robert Strahan

Manned Kearsarge's No. 1 gun as CSS Alabama went down

Robert Strahan stood to his gun aboard USS Kearsarge during one of the Civil War's most famous naval duels. Born in New Jersey, he served as Captain of the Top when Kearsarge met the Confederate raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France, on 19 June 1864.

During the battle, Strahan acted as captain of the No. 1 gun. He continued his duties under heavy enemy fire and was singled out by his division officer for coolness, good conduct and gallantry as Kearsarge fought and destroyed Alabama.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

While serving as captain of the No. 1 gun aboard USS Kearsarge in the destruction of CSS Alabama, Strahan carried out his duties under heavy fire with marked coolness and good conduct.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society records his birthplace as New Jersey but gives no confirmed death date. The source export calls his rank 'Sailor'; authoritative Medal of Honor records identify his action rank as Captain of the Top. Metadata is not altered in this batch.