Albert Weisbogel
Encyclopedia
Albert Weisbogel was a 19th century United States Navy
sailor. He was twice awarded America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor
, for peace-time actions (for which he would now be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal
). He is one of only 19 people to be awarded two Medals of Honor, and one of only 14 to be awarded the Medal twice for two separate actions.
. He joined the Navy from Louisiana and by January 11, 1874, was serving on the . On that day, one of his shipmates, a U.S. Marine
named Wolf, jumped overboard in a "fit of insanity" in an attempt to commit suicide by drowning. Weisbogel jumped in after and saved him. For this action, he was awarded a Medal of Honor two years later, on March 23, 1876. By that time, he was serving as Captain of the Mizzen Top on the . Weisbogel also at one point served on the and performed at similar feat on that ship.
Barely a month after being awarded his first Medal of Honor, on April 27, 1876, he again saved a crewmate from drowning. While Plymouth was entering the harbor of Kingston, Jamaica
, Landsman Peter J. Kenny fell overboard and was rescued by Weisbogel. For that action he was awarded his second Medal of Honor, on June 9, 1876.
Weisbogel died at age 74 or 75 and was buried in an unmarked grave at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn
, New York
.
First Award:
Second Award:
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
sailor. He was twice awarded America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, for peace-time actions (for which he would now be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal awarded by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps...
). He is one of only 19 people to be awarded two Medals of Honor, and one of only 14 to be awarded the Medal twice for two separate actions.
Biography
Weisbogel was born in 1844 in New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. He joined the Navy from Louisiana and by January 11, 1874, was serving on the . On that day, one of his shipmates, a U.S. Marine
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
named Wolf, jumped overboard in a "fit of insanity" in an attempt to commit suicide by drowning. Weisbogel jumped in after and saved him. For this action, he was awarded a Medal of Honor two years later, on March 23, 1876. By that time, he was serving as Captain of the Mizzen Top on the . Weisbogel also at one point served on the and performed at similar feat on that ship.
Barely a month after being awarded his first Medal of Honor, on April 27, 1876, he again saved a crewmate from drowning. While Plymouth was entering the harbor of Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisadoes, a long sand spit which connects the town of Port Royal and the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island...
, Landsman Peter J. Kenny fell overboard and was rescued by Weisbogel. For that action he was awarded his second Medal of Honor, on June 9, 1876.
Weisbogel died at age 74 or 75 and was buried in an unmarked grave at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
Medal of Honor citations
Weisbogel's official Medal of Honor citations are as follows:First Award:
For gallant conduct in jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Benicia, at sea, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel on 11 January 1874.
Second Award:
For gallant conduct in jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Plymouth, at sea, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel on 27 April 1876.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients during Peacetime