John Handran

John Handran
Born 1852
Massachusetts
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Navy
Rank Seaman
Unit USS Franklin
Awards Medal of Honor

John Handran (born 1852, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography

Born in 1852 in Massachusetts, Handran joined the Navy from that state.[1] By January 9, 1876, he was serving as a seaman on the USS Franklin. On that morning, while Franklin was at Lisbon, Portugal, Landsman Henry O. Neil fell from the ship's lower boom into the water and was swept away by a strong tidal current. Handran and another sailor, Ordinary Seaman Edward Maddin, jumped overboard and kept Neil afloat until a boat could be sent to their assistance. For this action, both Handran and Maddin were awarded the Medal of Honor a month later, on February 15. In his letter of recommendation, the ship's captain stated that Handran had "displayed the same sort of gallantry on several occasions."[2]

Handran's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For gallant conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Franklin at Lisbon, Portugal, 9 January 1876. Jumping overboard, Handran rescued from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  2. ↑ Robeson, George M.; S.R. Franklin (February 15, 1876). "General Order, No. 206". General orders and circulars issued by the Navy Department. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 145. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  • "John Handran". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  • Don Morfe (April 18, 2010). "John Handran". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved August 7, 2010.


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