Robert Volz

He helped cut a Cuban cable under heavy fire at Cienfuegos.!

Robert Volz earned the Medal of Honor at Cienfuegos, Cuba, on May 11, 1898. A seaman aboard USS Nashville during the Spanish-American War, he displayed courage and composure under heavy fire while naval forces cut the communications cable.

Volz first enlisted in the Navy in 1897 and later attained the rank of gunner’s mate first class. Commander Raymond P. Rodgers presented his medal at the Charlestown Navy Yard on August 16, 1899.

Volz reenlisted in 1900 but deserted USS Atlanta at Buenos Aires in 1904 while awaiting a court-martial. He later became an Argentine citizen, married and remained in Argentina. He died in Avellaneda in 1939.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Volz displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness thoughout this period.