Stickney, Herman O.
Herman Osman Stickney was born on 10 December 1867 in Pepperell, Massachusetts. Appointed from Kentucky to the U.S. Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Maryland, he graduated in June 1888 and served on board USS Kearsarge and USS Tallapoosa for his two-year required sea duty. In July 1890, he was commissioned an Ensign, within the Assistant Engineer speciality, and received orders to the pre-commissioned gunboat Bennington, then transferred to USS Miantonomoh. In August 1894, he assigned shore duty at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. A year later, he reported to USS Iowa, followed with a tour on board USS Chicago. In March 1899, Stickney was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to USS Princeton and later on board USS Solace.
In October 1901, Lieutenant Stickney received orders to New York Navy Yard, New York, serving a year before assigned to USS Texas. Following a promotion to Lieutenant Commander in July 1905, he reported for duty at the Naval Academy. In December 1906, he served a year at Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, and returned to sea on board the armored cruiser South Dakota. In March 1910, Stickney was promoted to Commander and that October became the Light-House Inspector in the Fourth District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Returning for duty at the Naval Academy in March 1912, he served a year until assuming command of USS Prairie in July 1913. While commanding Prairie, he participated in the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico. On 21 April 1914, Stickney covered and assisted the landing of U.S. Forces with Prairie's guns, ensuring the capture of the city. For his "distinguished conduct in battle" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
In November 1914, Commander Stickney began courses at the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, and was promoted to Captain that December. Completing his courses, he assumed command of USS Vermont. In June 1918, he was ordered to Washington, D.C., for duty with the Bureau of Inspection and Survey. In October 1919, Stickney became the Senior Member on the Board of Survey, Pacific Coast, Long Beach, California, and was promoted to Rear Admiral two months later. In December 1921, he retired and was placed on the retired list. Herman O. Stickney died on 13 September 1936 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
