Background
Magee was born in 1848 in Washington, District of Columbia, and enlisted in the Navy from Maryland in 1867.
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John Wellesley Magee
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Career
After joining the navy he was stationed aboard the United States Ship Tallapoosa (1863) as a second class fireman. Just before midnight August 21, 1884 the United States Ship Tallapoosa collided with the schooner ‘’James South. Lowell’’ about five miles from Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and started to sink. Magee remained at his post in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters.
Achievements
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Born
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Nationality
United States
Awards
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Medal of Honor Medal of Honor; the Medal October
Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Second Class Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1859, Maryland. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa during the sinking of that vessel on the night of 21 August 1884. During this period, Magee remained at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters.Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Second Class Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1859, Maryland. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa during the sinking of that vessel on the night of 21 August 1884. During this period, Magee remained at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters.