*SMITH, CHARLES H.
Rank and Organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, Maine. Accredited
To: Maine. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Rhode Island which was engaged in rescuing men from the stricken
Monitor in Mobile Bay, on December 30, 1862. After the Monitor sprang a leak and went
down, Smith courageously risked his life in a gallant attempt to rescue members of the
crew. Although he, too, lost his life during the hazardous operation, he had made every
effort possible to save the lives of his fellow men.