Career
Lear enlisted for a three-year term in the United States Navy in August 1862, and was assigned to the Union ironclad United States Ship (1862).
Lear enlisted for a three-year term in the United States Navy in August 1862, and was assigned to the Union ironclad United States Ship (1862).
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain Joseph White, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the United States.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24 and 25 December 1864. And 13,14, and 15 January 1865.
When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ships battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the ceasefire order was given by the flagship.