Charles Read
Union Navy sailor of the American Civil War, recipient of the Medal of Honor
About Charles Read
Born 1840. Charles Read was an American.
Charles Read (born 1840, date of death unknown) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Natural Bridge.
Born in 1840 in Cambridge, New York, Read joined the Navy from that state. By March 5, 1865, he was serving as an ordinary seaman on the . On that day and the next, he accompanied a Union Army force during the Battle of Natural Bridge near St. Marks, Florida. He helped transport and fire a naval howitzer throughout the engagement despite heavy Confederate fire. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor three months later, on June 22, 1865.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Charles Read?
Union Navy sailor of the American Civil War, recipient of the Medal of Honor
When was Charles Read born?
Charles Read was born in 1840 in Cambridge.
What nationality was Charles Read?
Charles Read was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Charles Read (Medal of Honor)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Charles Read. https://biography.guide/charles-read/
MLA: "Charles Read." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/charles-read/.
Chicago: "Charles Read." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/charles-read/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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