Charles H. Foy
United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient
About Charles H. Foy
Lived 1809 – 1866 (aged 56–57). Charles H. Foy was an American.
Charles Henry Foy or Foye (30 May 1866) was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865.
Military service Foy became a merchant seaman at age 18 in 1825. In his early 50s, Foy joined the Navy from Boston in July 1861, and was assigned to the Union steamer .
On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.
Medal of Honor citation The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Signal Quartermaster Charles H. Foy, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Rhode Island during the action with Fort Fisher and the Federal Point batteries, North Carolina, 13 to 15 January 1865. Carrying out his duties courageously during the battle, Signal Quartermaster Foy continued to be outstanding by his good conduct and faithful services throughout this engagement which resulted in a heavy casualty list when an attempt was made to storm Fort Fisher.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Signal Quartermaster
Division: U.S.S. Rhode Island
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Charles H. Foy?
United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient
When was Charles H. Foy born?
Charles H. Foy was born in 1809 in Portsmouth.
When did Charles H. Foy die?
Charles H. Foy died on 30 May 1866 in New York.
What nationality was Charles H. Foy?
Charles H. Foy was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Charles H. Foy. https://biography.guide/charles-h-foy/
MLA: "Charles H. Foy." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/charles-h-foy/.
Chicago: "Charles H. Foy." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/charles-h-foy/.
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