b. 04/04/1856 Washington DC. d. 20/09/1945 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21/08/1884 Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.
Harrington was born April 4, 1856, in Washington, D.C. and after joining the navy from was stationed aboard the USS Tallapoosa (1863) as a fireman first class. Just before midnight August 21, 1884 the USS Tallapoosa collided with the schooner James S. Lowell about five miles from Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and started to sink. Harrington remained in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters and when the water was up to his waist he opened the safety valves. For his actions on that night he received the Medal October 18, 1884.
MOH CITATION:
Served on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Remaining at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters, Harrington opened the safety valves when the water was up to his waist.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 17, GRAVE 23162-D
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
