Michael Deneef

Michael Deneef (1851–1891) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.[1]

Michael Deneef
Born1851 (1851)
Massachusetts
DiedJanuary 28, 1891(1891-01-28) (aged 39–40)
Dedham, Massachusetts[1]
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankCaptain of the Top
UnitUSS Swatara
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

Born in 1851 in Massachusetts, Deneef joined the Navy from that state as an apprentice boy.[2][3] He later served as captain of the top on the USS Swatara. On the morning of December 1, 1875, Swatara was anchored in a harbor of Pará, Brazil, when the ship's dinghy capsized. A strong tidal current swept the dinghy backwards from the side of the ship, where it had first capsized. One of the dinghy's crew initially grabbed onto the small boat, but then lost his grip and began to sink. Deneef jumped overboard from Swatara's gangway, swam to the drowning man, and dragged him back to the dinghy, where they were later picked up by a cutter. For this action, Deneef was awarded the Medal of Honor a month later, on January 18, 1876.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Deneef's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Swatara at Para, Brazil, 1 December 1875. Displaying gallant conduct, Deneef jumped overboard and rescued one of the crew of that vessel from drowning.[2]

See also

References
  1. Don Morfe (April 2, 2010). "Michael James Deneef". Find a Grave. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  2. "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  3. Robeson, George M.; A.P. Cooke (January 18, 1876). "General Order, No. 201". General Orders and Circulars Issued by the Navy Department. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 143–4. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
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