b. 1841 Galway, Ireland. d. 22/03/1901 Chelsea, Massachusetts.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 05/03/1864 off Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Born in County Galway, Ireland, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Massachusetts on March 17, 1862, and was assigned to stern wheel gunboat USS Marmora.
On March 5, 1864, the Confederates launched a heavy attack on Union positions at Yazoo City, Mississippi. In the midst of heated battle Laffey landed a 12-pound howitzer and her crew. Despite enemy rifle fire which cut up the gun carriage and severed the rammer, Laffey bravely stood by his gun and contributed greatly to turning back the fierce Confederate assault. Seaman Laffey received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Two of his shipmates, Seaman James Stoddard and Seaman William J. Franks, were also awarded the medal for being on the gun crew.
MOH CITATION:
Off Yazoo City, Miss., 5 March 1864, embarking from the Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Laffey landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer, contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.
BURIAL LOCATION: MOUNT CALVARY CEMETERY, ROSLINDALE, MASSACHUSETTS.
SECTION 5, RANGE 39, GRAVE 49.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
