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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Related Content
Topic
  • Awards and Medals
  • Medal of Honor
Document Type
  • Artifact
Wars & Conflicts
  • Civil War 1861-1865
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  • NHHC

Medal of Honor awarded to Henry Brutsche, USS Tacony (1863)


Medal of Honor Henry Brutsche Reverse

Title: Medal of Honor, Henry Brutsche, USS Tacony (1863)
Accession #: NHHC 1957-2-H
Circa: 1864
Size: 2 x 2.5
Medium: Bronze
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

Obverse: Five pointed bronze star tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak. In the center is Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, standing with left hand resting on fasces and right hand holding a shield blazoned with the escutcheon of the United States. She repulses discord, represented by a male figure holding snakes. It is made of solid red brass, oxidized and buffed.

Reverse: inscribed "Personal Valor / Henry Brutsche / Landsman / U.S.S. Tacony / Capture of Plymouth N.C. / October 31, 1864."

Citation for Award: For extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the USS Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, N.C., 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Landsman Brutsche distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under a devastating fire from enemy musketry. 


Medal of Honor Henry Brutsche Obverse

Published: Wed May 06 11:44:07 EDT 2020