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Medal of Honor awarded to John Andrews, USS Benicia (1868)


one bronze medal of honor planchet engraved to John Andrews of the USS Benicia for actions in "Corea"

Title: Medal of Honor, John Andrews, USS Benicia (1868), Korea
Accession #: NHHC 1957-2-BH
Circa: 1872
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: "Personal Valor / John Andrews / Ordinary Seaman / USS Benicia / Corea / June 1 1872"

Citation for Award: For extraordinary heroism in action on board the USS Benicia in action against Korean forts on 9 and 10 June 1871. Stationed at the lead in passing the forts, Andrews stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope. He remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire.

In 1871, an American fleet of five warships and approximately 650 Marines and sailors, under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers, travelled to Korea to support an American diplomatic delegation. Korea’s Joseon Dynasty had an isolationist nature leading to a misunderstanding and conflict between the expedition and the Koreans. While attempting to sail up the Ganghwa Strait, a waterway that connects to the Han River and leads to the capital city Hanyang (modern day Seoul), the fleet came under heavy fire from the surrounding Korean forts. Under this intense fire, Ordinary Seaman John Andrews remained in an exposed position and continued to provide the soundings for the USS Benicia, ensuring the ship did not become stranded or wrecked in shallow water. The warships landed the sailors and Marines who managed to capture the attacking forts. The military engagement put an end to the diplomatic mission and chilled relations between the two nations until 1882, when negotiations were renewed. 

Andrews’ Medal of Honor was one of fifteen awarded for this engagement. These awards marked the first time the medal was awarded for actions in a foreign conflict. 


5 pointed bronze star mounted with ribbon bar and foul anchor suspension ring. Minerva repelling evil in center of star. 

Published: Tue Apr 21 09:30:27 EDT 2020