Background
According to his first John Lafferty was born in June 1842 in New York City. According to the second, John Laverty was born in 1845 in County Tyrone, Ireland.
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John Lafferty
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He is also recorded as having been born in Dublin, Ireland in 1849. His first award was due to his service aboard the United States Ship Wyalusing. He participated in a plan to destroy the rebel ram Computer Software Systems Albemarle in the Roanoke River, May 25, 1864.
He earned his second award while serving on board the United States Ship Alaska, a wooden hulled sloop built in 1868, at Callao Bay, Peru, September 14, 1881.
During his Civil War service he enlisted as John Lafferty, and his first Medal is recorded under this name. However, when he re-enlisted in the Navy, he used John Laverty, which appears to be his real name and is used on his government-issue headstone.
Laverty died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 13, 1903 and buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his grave can be found in the Naval Asylum Plot.
Achievements
Membership
Volunteering for the hazardous mission, Lafferty participated in the transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp and then served as sentry to keep guard of clothes and arms left by other members of the party.
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Born
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Died
November 13, 1903 (aged 61) -
Nationality
South U
Awards
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Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor citation 1st Award Rank and organization: Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Wyalusing and participated in a plan to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle in Roanoke River, 25 May 1864. Volunteering for the hazardous mission, Lafferty participated in the transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp and then served as sentry to keep guard of clothes and arms left by other members of the party. After being rejoined by others of the party who had been discovered before the plan could be completed, Lafferty succeeded in returning to the mother ship after spending 24 hours of discomfort in the rain and swamp. 2nd Award Rank and organization: First Class Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1849, Ireland. Accredited to: California. G.O. No.: 326, October 18, 1884. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Alaska at Callao Bay, Peru, September 14, 1881. Following the rupture of the stop-valve chamber on that vessel, Laverty hauled the fires from under the boiler.Medal of Honor citation 1st Award Rank and organization: Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Wyalusing and participated in a plan to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle in Roanoke River, 25 May 1864. Volunteering for the hazardous mission, Lafferty participated in the transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp and then served as sentry to keep guard of clothes and arms left by other members of the party. After being rejoined by others of the party who had been discovered before the plan could be completed, Lafferty succeeded in returning to the mother ship after spending 24 hours of discomfort in the rain and swamp. 2nd Award Rank and organization: First Class Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1849, Ireland. Accredited to: California. G.O. No.: 326, October 18, 1884. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Alaska at Callao Bay, Peru, September 14, 1881. Following the rupture of the stop-valve chamber on that vessel, Laverty hauled the fires from under the boiler.