Bartlett Laffey

Bartlett Laffey (1841 – March 22, 1901) was an Irish American United States Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient.

Biography Born in County Galway, Ireland, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Massachusetts on March 17, 1862, and was assigned to stern wheel gunboat .

On March 5, 1864, the Confederates launched a heavy attack on Union positions at Yazoo City, Mississippi. In the midst of heated battle Laffey landed a 12-pound howitzer and her crew. Despite enemy rifle fire which cut up the gun carriage and severed the rammer, Laffey bravely stood by his gun and contributed greatly to turning back the fierce Confederate assault. Seaman Laffey received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Two of his shipmates, Seaman James Stoddard and Seaman William J. Franks, were also awarded the medal for being on the gun crew.