b. 17/09/1882 The Dalles, Oregon. d. 02/02/1955 Seattle, Washington.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 30/06/1903 USS Adams.
Harry D Fadden MOH
Fadden was born in The Dalles, Oregon September 17, 1882, but moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois at an early age after his parents divorced. At age nine, he traveled 2000 miles by himself to live with his father in Sumas, Washington. His father had been a drummer boy during the Civil War.
In 1898, Fadden joined the U.S. Navy and before his 18th birthday had served in the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and Boxer Rebellion. While in the Navy, Fadden’s commanding officers noticed that he wanted to read and encouraged him to learn how.
MOH CITATION:
When the USS Adams was sent on a training cruise off the coast of California Fadden was aboard as a member of the crew. By June 30, 1903, they had been at sea for two days and Landsman O.C. Hawthorne was a newcomer to the ship. Fadden was standing on the deck and had watched Hawthorne as he climbed a ladder to his station above. When the ship suddenly lurched as it was about to make a turn, Hawthorne was thrown from his position and hit his head on the railing before landing unconscious in the shark-infested water. Upon seeing his crewmate fall overboard, Fadden immediately jumped in after him. He swam to Hawthorne and held his head above water since he still had not regained consciousness. Fadden continued holding the unconscious sailor until the Adams was able to turn back for them.
BURIAL LOCATION; EVERGREEN WASHELLI MEMORIAL PARK, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.
SECTION 14, LOT 0262, GRAVE 7
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
