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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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Medal of Honor awarded to George "John" Hill, USS Kansas (1863)


Reverse engraving of Medal of Honor of George (John) Hill

Title: Medal of Honor, George Hill, USS Kansas (1863)
Accession #: NHHC 1957-2-BF
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: Engraved "Personal Valor / John Hill / Chief Quarter Gunner / U.S.S. Kansas / nr Gerytown Nicaragua / April 12, 1872"

Citation for Award: For gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas. Chief Quarter Gunner Hill displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Commander A. F. Crosman and others were drowned, near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life.

This medal is engraved as "John" instead of George. Hill was on the USS Kansas with CDR Crosman when the Commander, on a raft with other men, drowned when the raft capsized. The expedition was designed to map the coast of Nicaragua.


Obverse of Medal of Honor bronze five pointed star with Minerva repulsing discord in center.

Published: Tue Mar 31 14:11:48 EDT 2020