Swanson, John - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Swanson, John

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1865

Unit/CommandUSS Santiago de Cuba

HometownGothenburg

Citation

On board the USS Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, Swanson bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was 1 of 6 men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1865