Joseph H. Davis
Joseph H. Davis (July 22, 1860 – June 19, 1903) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Joseph H. Davis | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 22, 1860 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 19, 1903 (aged 42) |
| Place of burial | Montrose Cemetery, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Landsman |
| Unit | USS Dale |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Born on July 22, 1860, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Davis joined the Navy from that city.[1] By January 22, 1886, he was serving as a landsman on the receiving ship USS Dale. On that day, while at Norfolk, Virginia, he jumped overboard from a ferry and rescued Ordinary Seaman John Norman from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.[2]
Davis's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
On board the U.S. Receiving Ship Dale off the Wharf at Norfolk, Va., 22 January 1886. Jumping overboard from the ferryboat, Davis rescued from drowning John Norman, ordinary seaman.[2]
Davis left the Navy while still a landsman. He died on June 19, 1903, at age 42 and was buried at Montrose Cemetery in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.[3]
References
- "Joseph H. Davis". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved September 13, 2010.
- "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved September 14, 2010.
- "Joseph H. Davis". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. June 23, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2010.