Harry Delmar Fadden

Harry Delmar Fadden (September 17, 1882 – February 2, 1955) (a.k.a. Henry Delmar Fadden) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the United States military's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor.

When he was nine Fadden traveled alone for 2000 miles to be with his father after his parents divorced. He later joined the U.S Navy and before turning 18 had fought in three wars and received the Medal of Honor for saving a shipmate from drowning.

Early life Fadden was born in The Dalles, Oregon September 17, 1882, but moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois at an early age after his parents divorced. At age nine, he traveled 2000 miles by himself to live with his father in Sumas, Washington. His father had been a drummer boy during the Civil War.

Military service In 1898, Fadden joined the U.S. Navy and before his 18th birthday had served in the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and Boxer Rebellion. While in the Navy, Fadden's commanding officers noticed that he wanted to read and encouraged him to learn how.

Post military After being discharged from the Navy on September 16, 1903, having reached his 21st birthday, Fadden lived in Seattle, Washington where he worked as a traffic analyst for the Port of Seattle. He was married and had four children.

Harry Fadden died February 2, 1955, in Seattle. He is buried in Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle.

Medal of Honor citation Citation: On board the U.S.S. Adams, for gallantry, rescuing O.C. Hawthorne, landsman for training, from drowning at sea, 30 June 1903.