Naval History and Heritage Command
Medal of Honor awarded to Joachim Pease, USS Kearsarge (1862)
Title: Medal of Honor, Seaman Joachim Pease
Accession #: NHHC 1957-02-AO
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command
Date: 1864-06-09
Size: 2 x 2
Medium: Bronze
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 lettering on reverse reads, “Personal Valor / JOACHIM PEASE / (Colored) Seaman / U.S.S. Kearsarge / Destruction on the Alabama / June 9, 1864.”
Citation for Award: Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire.
Following the Kearsarge’s return to the United States in 1864, Joachim Pease disappeared from the historical record. With his enlistment term expired, he was free to resume his life outside of the Navy. Where that led him is unknown.
