LEAR, NICHOLAS
Rank and Organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, Rhode
Island. Accredited To: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865.
Citation:
Lear served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort
Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and
took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard
battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and
dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed
into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at
night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to
defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun
on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire order was given by the flagship.
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