Navy Federal Credit Union

Richmond Hobson entered the Naval Academy in Annapolis at the age of 15 and graduated FIRST in his class of 1889. As a Naval OFFICER, he was not eligible for the MOH at the time it was awarded to his 7 volunteers. Changing guidelines made him eligible after 1917, and his was awarded by Special Act of Congress in 1933. It was fitting as Hobson served as Congressman from Alabama’s 6th District from 1907 – 1915 (as well as a Presidential elector from Alabama in 1904). World War I MOH recipient Richmond H. (Hobson) Hilton was named for Hobson when he was born in the same year as Hobson’s heroic and well publicized mission. Richmond P. Hobson retired as a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Memphis

    Action Date:

    June 3, 1898

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Richmond Pearson Hobson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor in action in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. MERRIMAC at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications on shore, Lieutenant Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety.