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John H. Ferrell

1829 – 1900

Civilian employee of the US Navy, recipient of the Medal of Honor

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About John H. Ferrell

Lived 1829 – 1900 (aged 71). John H. Ferrell was an American military personnel.

John H. Ferrell (April 15, 1829 – April 17, 1900) was a civilian employee of the Union Navy during the American Civil War and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He is one of only eight civilians ever to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor.

Born on April 15, 1829, in Bedford County, Tennessee, Ferrell was living in Illinois when he was hired by the Navy as a pilot. By December 6, 1864, he was serving in the Cumberland River aboard the . On that day, during an engagement with Confederates at Bells Mills near Nashville, Tennessee, he and Quartermaster John Ditzenback braved heavy fire to re-raise Neosho's flag after it was shot down. For this action, both he and Ditzenbach were awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on June 22, 1865.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Medal of Honor

People in John H. Ferrell's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John H. Ferrell's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John H. Ferrell?

Civilian employee of the US Navy, recipient of the Medal of Honor (1829-1900)

When was John H. Ferrell born?

John H. Ferrell was born on 15 April 1829 in Bedford County.

When did John H. Ferrell die?

John H. Ferrell died on 17 April 1900.

What was John H. Ferrell's occupation?

John H. Ferrell was a military personnel.

What nationality was John H. Ferrell?

John H. Ferrell was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John H. Ferrell

· Wikidata: Q6236820

· DBpedia: John H. Ferrell

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John H. Ferrell. https://biography.guide/john-h-ferrell/

MLA: "John H. Ferrell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-h-ferrell/.

Chicago: "John H. Ferrell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-h-ferrell/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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