Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Coxswain

    Division:

    U.S. Sloop John Adams

    Action Date:

    November 28, 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 Coxswain Oliver Albert O’Brien, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Coxswain on board the U.S. Sloop John Adams, Sullivan’s Island Channel, South Carolina, 28 November 1864. Taking part in the boarding of the blockade runner Beatrice while under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie, Coxswain O’Brien, who was in charge of one of the boarding launches, carried out his duties with prompt and energetic conduct. This action resulted in the firing of the Beatrice and the capture of a quantity of supplies from her.