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BORN:
February 21, 1837 at Washington, DC
Entered Service in the US
Navy from Washington, DC
Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism on March 14,
1863 at Port Hudson, LA
DIED: April
29, 1916 at the age of 79
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In an effort to
strengthen the blockade of Confederate ports in the Gulf of
Mexico, a squadron of Union vessels was dispatched towards Port
Hudson, Louisiana. On March 14, 1863, the squadron attempted to
head up river towards the enemy port, necessitating a passage
beneath seven fortified works. The U.S.S. Richmond, second in
line, was hit and damaged by enemy fire as it rounded a bend
beneath the fortifications, and forced to withdraw. A 6-in rifle
shot shattered the starboard safety-valve chamber and damaged the
port safety valve, causing the steam room to fill with hot steam.
Realizing the ship was in danger of exploding, Fireman Joseph
Vantine ripped off his shirt and shredded it into four pieces.
These were soaked in water and Vantine, along with Second Class
Fireman John Hickman, First Class Fireman Mathew McClelland, and
Fireman First Class John Rush, wrapped the wet cloth around their
faces and bravely entered the dangerously hot steam room to haul
out the fires, relieving each other when they were overcome by
heat. The action of these four valiant men saved their ship,
earned them the admiration of the crew, and netted for each man
the Medal of Honor.
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