William Henry Harrison Seeley

William Henry Harrison Seeley was an American sailor who served in the British Royal Navy during the mid-19th century. He saw active service during several major conflicts in East Asia, including the Taiping Rebellion, the Bombardment of Kagoshima, and the Shimonoseki campaign.

He is most distinguished for his actions during the Shimonoseki campaign, where his gallantry earned him the Victoria Cross. This decoration is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Seeley holds a significant place in military history as the first American citizen to be awarded the Victoria Cross. At the time of his decoration, he was the 28th member of the Royal Navy to receive the award and the only foreigner to have ever been bestowed with it.