Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Quartermaster

    Division:

    U.S. Monitor Neosho

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1864

    War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster John Ditzenback, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S. Monitor Neosho during the engagement with enemy batteries at Bells Mills, Cumberland River, near Nashville, Tennessee, 6 December 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously during the engagement, Quartermaster Ditzenback gallantly left the pilot house after the flag and signal staffs of that vessel had been shot away and, taking the flag which was drooping over the wheelhouse, made it fast to the stump of the highest mast remaining, although the ship was still under a heavy fire from the enemy.