Richards, Louis - The National Medal of Honor Museum

Your Match Day Starts Here! Just Steps From the Stadium.View Details

View All Hours

Plan your visit
- Hours, Directions And Parking Café and Restaurant Museum Shop Museum Map
- Tickets and Experiences Accessibility Group Visits Plan Your Field Trip Places to Stay
Explore All exhibits and events
- EXHIBITSMoments of Action Exhibit From Rails to Rotors Exhibit More than a Medal Exhibit Interactive Exhibits Medal Exhibits
- EVENTSHost a Private Event Match Days at the Museum Freedom Fest Family Summer Day Veterans Day
Explore All Recipients Stories
- THE RECIPIENTSRecipients Database Search
- THE MEDALLearn About the Medal More Than a Medal Exhibit
Ways to Get Involved
- GiveBecome a Member Volunteer Make A Donation Partners and Donors Sponsor a Youth Field Trip
- AboutAbout the Museum Museum Leadership Careers Stories Pressroom
Griffin Institute
- Griffin InstituteLearn About the Griffin Institute June 2 Teacher Development Day June 4 Teacher Development Day

U.S. Navy

Richards, Louis

ConflictCivil War

RankActing Master's Mate

Year of Action1862

Unit/CommandUSS Pensacola

HometownNew York, New York

Citation

Richards served as quartermaster on board the USS Pensacola in the attack upon Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and at the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. Through all the din and roar of battle, he steered the ship through the narrow opening of the barricade, and his attention to orders contributed to the successful passage of the ship without once fouling the shore or the obstacles of the barricade.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1862