Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain of the Afterguard

    Division:

    U.S.S. Santee

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1861

    War Department, General Orders No. 17 (July 10, 1863)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Afterguard George H. Bell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Pilot of the U.S.S. Santee when that vessel was engaged in cutting out the rebel armed schooner Royal Yacht from Galveston Bay, Texas, 7 November 1861, and evinced more coolness, in passing the four forts and the rebel steamer General Rusk, than was ever before witnessed by his commanding officer. Although severely wounded in the encounter, he displayed extraordinary courage under the most painful and trying circumstances.