Christopher Fowler MOH

b. 1850 New York. d. ?

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 11/05/1874 Point Zapotitlan, Mexico.

Born in New York in 1850, Fowler joined the Navy from that state. By May 11, 1874, he was serving as a quartermaster on the USS Fortune. On that day, while Fortune was off the coast of Punta Zapotitlán, Veracruz, Mexico, one of the ship’s small boats was sent towards shore. A strong gale arose and the boat was capsized by the rough surf; four of the crew drowned but at least two were rescued. For his “gallant conduct” during the incident, Fowler was awarded the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor on 17 July 1874. 

 

MOH CITATION:

Served on board the U.S.S. Fortune off Point Zapotitlan, Mexico, 11 May 1874. On the occasion of the capsizing of one of the boats of the Fortune and the drowning of a portion of the boat’s crew, Fowler displayed gallant conduct.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.