Hugh Purvis
Encyclopedia
Hugh Purvis was a United States Marine
who received the Medal of Honor
for actions on board the during the United States expedition to Korea.
, Purvis enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 27, 1869. He reported immediately to the Marine detachment on board the USS Alaska soon departing for the Far East
. During the punitive expedition to Korea
, he took part in the assault on an enemy fort on the Han River
. In desperate hand-to-hand fighting, the sailors and Marines stormed the walls of the citadel. Private Purvis ran immediately to the flagstaff which bore the Korean colors and loosed the halyards. He was joined by Cpl Charles Brown
, and the two tore down the flag. For his "inspiring and heroic" act, Purvis received the Medal of Honor.
He was discharged in 1873 and served two additional tours with the Marine Corps, 1874 to 1879 and 1879 to 1884, rising to the rank of Corporal
. He is buried in Saint Annes Cemetery, Annapolis, Maryland
. His grave can be found in the Cedar Bluff Section, Lot 154.
Citation:
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...
who received 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 actions on board the during the United States expedition to Korea.
Biography
Born in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Purvis enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 27, 1869. He reported immediately to the Marine detachment on board the USS Alaska soon departing for the Far East
Far East
The Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
. During the punitive expedition to Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
, he took part in the assault on an enemy fort on the Han River
Han River (Korea)
The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula after the Amnok, Duman, and Nakdong rivers. It is formed by the confluence of the Namhan River , which originates in Mount Daedeok, and the Bukhan River , which originates on the slopes of Mount...
. In desperate hand-to-hand fighting, the sailors and Marines stormed the walls of the citadel. Private Purvis ran immediately to the flagstaff which bore the Korean colors and loosed the halyards. He was joined by Cpl Charles Brown
Charles Brown (Medal of Honor)
Corporal Charles Brown received the United States's highest honor for bravery, the Medal of Honor. Corporal Brown was a United States Marine and was born in New York City. He enlisted in Hong Kong in 1870. The tracking number for his Medal of Honor is No.: 169, and is dated 8 February 1872.-Medal...
, and the two tore down the flag. For his "inspiring and heroic" act, Purvis received the Medal of Honor.
He was discharged in 1873 and served two additional tours with the Marine Corps, 1874 to 1879 and 1879 to 1884, rising to the rank of Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
. He is buried in Saint Annes Cemetery, Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. It had a population of 38,394 at the 2010 census and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east of Washington, D.C. Annapolis is...
. His grave can be found in the Cedar Bluff Section, Lot 154.
Namesake
, a U.S. Navy Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named in his honor.- Purvis Road on Marine Corps Base QuanticoMarine Corps Base QuanticoMarine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
is named in his honor.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: March 5, 1846, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 169, February 8, 1872.Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Alaska during the attack on and capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Braving the enemy fire, Purvis was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture the flag of the Korean forces.