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John Dempsey Edit Profile

Navy sailor

John Dempsey was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military"s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Career

Born in 1848 in Ireland, Dempsey immigrated to the United States and joined the United States. Navy from Massachusetts. By January 23, 1875, he was serving as a seaman on the United States Ship Kearsarge. On that day, while Kearsarge was at Shanghai, China, he jumped overboard and rescued a shipmate from drowning.

On board the United States.S. Kearsarge at Shanghai, China, 23 January 1875.

Displaying gallant conduct, Dempsey jumped overboard from the Kearsarge and rescued from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.

Achievements

  • Foreign this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Dempsey"s official Medal of Honor citation reads:.

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Awards

  • Medal of Honor Medal of Honor

    The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.