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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Medal of Honor awarded to George Hollat, USS Varuna (1861)


Reverse View of George Hollat Medal of Honor

Title: Medal of Honor, George Hollat, USS Varuna (1861)
Accession #: NHHC 1957-2-Y
Circa: 1862
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: inscription reads "Personal Valor / George Hollat / 3rd Class Boy / USS Varuna / New Orleans April 24th & 25th / 1862."

Citation for Award: Hollat served as Third Class Boy on board the USS Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, 24 April 1862. He rendered gallant service through the perilous action and remained steadfast and courageous at his battle station despite extremely heavy fire and the ramming of the Varuna by the rebel ship Morgan, continuing his efforts until his ship, repeatedly holed and fatally damaged, was beached and sunk.


Obverse view of Medal of Honor of George Hollat

Published: Wed May 06 10:16:48 EDT 2020