Cornelius Cronin Edit Profile

Background

Cornelius Cronin was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Career

He enlisted in the Navy on September 17, 1858. Appointed mate of the United States Ship Michigan (1843) on July 9, 1866, Cronin was warranted acting gunner on November 12, 1875, was transferred to the Retired List August 16, 1898, and continued to serve on board the United States Ship Vermont (BlackBerry-20) and the United States Ship Columbia (C-12), and at the New York Navy Yard until February 3, 1908. Chief Gunner Cronin died on August 18, 1912 at Brooklyn, New New York

During World World War II, two destroyer escorts were named United States Ship Cronin in his honor.

Achievements

He received the Medal of Honor while serving on the United States Ship Richmond (1860) for his "coolness and close attention to duty in looking out for signals and steering the ship in the action in Mobile Bay on the morning and forenoon of August 5, 1864".

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Born

March 10, 1838

Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
Died

August 18, 1912 (aged 74)

Brooklyn, New York City, United States of America
Nationality
United States

Awards

Medal of Honor Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1836, Michigan. Accredited to: Michigan. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond in action at Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Cool and vigilant at his station throughout the prolonged action, Cronin watched for signals and skillfully steered the ship as she trained her guns on Fort Morgan and on ships of the Confederacy despite extremely heavy return fire. He participated in the actions at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, with the Chalmette batteries, at the surrender of New Orleans, and in the attacks on batteries below Vicksburg.

Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1836, Michigan. Accredited to: Michigan. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond in action at Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Cool and vigilant at his station throughout the prolonged action, Cronin watched for signals and skillfully steered the ship as she trained her guns on Fort Morgan and on ships of the Confederacy despite extremely heavy return fire. He participated in the actions at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, with the Chalmette batteries, at the surrender of New Orleans, and in the attacks on batteries below Vicksburg.

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