Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Landsman

    Division:

    U.S.S. Oneida

    Action Date:

    August 5, 1864

    War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman John Preston, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Oneida in the engagement at Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Severely wounded, Landsman Preston remained at his gun throughout the engagement which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and the damaging of Fort Morgan, carrying on until obliged to go to the surgeon to whom he reported himself as “only slightly injured.” He then assisted in taking care of the wounded below and wanted to be allowed to return to his battle station on deck. Upon close examination it was found that he was wounded quite severely in both eyes.