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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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  • Philippine Insurrection 1899-1902
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Navy Medal of Honor: Philippine Insurrection (1899-1906)

These individuals earned the Navy Medal of Honor during the period specified. Their names are followed by their rank and rate, if known, the date of the action and the vessel or unit on which they served.

U.S. Navy Recipients (select name for complete citation)
  1. FISHER, FREDERICK THOMAS, Gunner's Mate First Class, US Navy on board the U.S.S. Philadelphia, Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
  2. FITZ, JOSEPH, Ordinary Seaman, US Navy, : On board the U.S.S. Pampanga, Mount Dajo Jolo, Philippine Islands, 8 March 1906.
  3. FORBECK, ANDREW P., Seaman, US Navy, during the battle of Katbalogan, Samar, Philippine Islands, 16 July 1900.
  4. GALBRAITH, ROBERT, Gunner's Mate Third Class, US Navy, at El Pardo, Cebu, Philippine Islands, 12 and 13 September 1899.
  5. STOLTENBERG, ANDREW V. Gunner's Mate Second Class, US Navy, in battle at Katbalogan, Samar, Philippine Islands, 16 July 1900.
  6. THORDSEN, WILLIAM GEORGE, Coxswain, US Navy, at Hilongas, Philippine Islands, 6 May 1900.

 

U.S. Marine Corps Recipients
  1. BEARSS, HIRAM IDDINGS Colonel, US Marine Corps., in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901
  2. BUCKLEY, HOWARD MAJOR, Private, US Marine Corps, in battle while with the Eighth Army Corps on 25, 27, 29 March, and 4 April 1899.
  3. FORSTERER, BRUNO ALBERT, Sergeant, US Marine Corps, at Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
  4. HARVEY, HARRY, Sergeant, US Marine Corps.at Benictican, 16 February 1900. 
  5. HULBERT, HENRY LEWIS, : Private, U.S. Marine Corps, at Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
  6. LEONARD, JOSEPH, Private, US Marine Corps, in battles, while with the Eighth Army Corps on 25, 27, and 29 March, and on 4 April 1899
  7. MCNALLY, MICHAEL JOSEPH, Sergeant, US Marine Corps, at Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
  8. PORTER, DAVID DIXONColonel, US Marine Corps, in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901.
  9.  PRENDERGAST, THOMAS FRANCISCorporal, US Marine Corps, in battle while with the Eighth Army Corps, 25, 27, 29 March, and 5 April 1899.

 

U.S. Navy recipients of the Medal of Honor, Navy Medal of Honor: Philippine Insurrection (1899-1906)

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Colonel, Hiram Iddings Bearss, US Marine Corps

For extraordinary heroism and eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901. Col. Bearss (then Capt.), second in command of the columns upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton River region, made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and completely routed the enemy, killing 30 and capturing and destroying the powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels. Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs by means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet. The cliffs were of soft stone of volcanic origin, in the nature of pumice, and were honeycombed with caves. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vine cables (known as bejuco) in readiness to be precipitated upon people below. After driving the insurgents from their position which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poison spears, pits, etc., he led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there. Col. Bearss and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which, according to reports from old prisoners, had taken 3 years to perfect, were held as a final rallying point, and were never before penetrated by white troops. Col. Bearss also rendered distinguished public service in the presence of the enemy at Quinapundan River, Samar, Philippine Islands, on 19 January 1902.

 

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Colonel, David Dixon Porter, US Marine Corps

For extraordinary heroism and eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901. In command of the columns upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton Region, Col. Porter (then Capt.) made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and completely routed the enemy, killing 30 and capturing and destroying the powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels. Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs by means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet. The cliffs were of soft stone of volcanic origin, in the nature of pumice and were honeycombed with caves. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vines and cables (known as bejuco) in readiness to be precipitated upon people below. After driving the insurgents from their position which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poisoned spears, pits, etc., Col. Porter led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there. He and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which, according to reports from old prisoners, had taken 3 years to perfect, were held as a final rallying post, and were never before penetrated by white troops. Col. Porter also rendered distinguished public service in the presence of the enemy at Quinapundan River, Samar, Philippine Islands, on 26 October 1901.

Published: Wed Jan 30 13:24:36 EST 2019