b. ? County Cork, Ireland. d. ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 19/06/1864 Cherbourg, France.
Aheam was illegally recruited in Queenstown, Ireland in November 1863 along with several others, and officially enlisted in the US Navy from France. He served as a Paymaster’s Steward aboard USS Kearsarge during her battle with the commerce raider CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France. He was one of 17 sailors on the Kearsarge who were awarded the Medal of Honor.
MOH CITATION:
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, June 19, 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously, PmS. Aheam exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by his divisional officer for gallantry under enemy fire.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.