John Wellesley Magee MOH

b. 1859 District of Columbia. d. ?

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21/08/1884 Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.

Magee was born in 1859 in Washington, D.C., and enlisted in the Navy from Maryland in 1867. After joining the navy he was stationed aboard the USS Tallapoosa (1863) as a second class fireman. 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. Magee remained at his post in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters. For his actions on that night he received the Medal October 18, 1884.

 

MOH CITATION:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa during the sinking of that vessel on the night of 21 August 1884. During this period, Magee remained at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.