b. 05/1849 Malta. d. 11/11/1912 Brunswick, Georgia.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 13/02/1879 at sea, North East Atlantic.
Matthews was born in about 1849 in Malta. After immigrating to the United States, he joined the navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Constitution as captain of the top when, on February 13, 1879, he risked his life to cut the fastenings of the ship’s rudder chains in a heavy gale. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor on October 18, 1884.
MOH CITATION:
For courageous conduct in going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and cutting the fastenings of the ship’s rudder chains.
BURIAL LOCATION: PALMETTO CEMETERY, BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA.
SECTION 19, LOT 4.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
