Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ordinary Seaman

    Division:

    U.S.S. Whitehead

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1862

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Ordinary Seaman Edwin Smith, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Whitehead in the attack upon Franklin, Virginia 3 October 1862. When his ship became grounded in a narrow passage as she rounded a bend in the Blackwater River, Ordinary Seaman Smith, realizing the hazards of lowering a boat voluntarily swam to shore with a line under the enemy’s heavy fire. His fearless action enabled his ship to maintain steady fire and keep the enemy in check during the battle.