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John Johnson

b. 1839

United States Navy sailor, born 1839

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About John Johnson

Born 1839. John Johnson was an American military personnel.

John Johnson (born , date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography On April 12, 1872, Davis was serving as a seaman on the steamship near Greytown, Nicaragua, when an accident occurred. Several members of the crew including the expedition commander were drowning. For his actions on that day, Seaman Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor three months later, on July 9, 1872.

The men who drowned were Commander Alexander Foster Crosman, commanding expedition, his body not recoveredMaster Alfred Foree, attached to the Kansas, his body not recoveredCockswain William Walker, attached to the Kansas, his body not recoveredOrdinary Seaman Emil Birgfield, attached to the Kansas, his body not recoveredOrdinary Seaman William Arkwright, attached to the Kansas, his body not recoveredOrdinary Seaman James Eley, attached to the Kansas, his body recovered on April 13, 1872

Medal of Honor citation His official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Johnson displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned and, by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life.

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Important facts

Born
1839, Philadelphia
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Medal of Honor

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Johnson?

United States Navy sailor, born 1839

When was John Johnson born?

John Johnson was born in 1839 in Philadelphia.

What was John Johnson's occupation?

John Johnson was a military personnel.

What nationality was John Johnson?

John Johnson was American.

Sources & further reading

Β· Wikipedia: John Johnson

Β· Wikidata: Q6241922

Β· DBpedia: John Johnson (Medal of Honor, 1839)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Johnson. https://biography.guide/john-johnson-military-personnel/

MLA: "John Johnson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-johnson-military-personnel/.

Chicago: "John Johnson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-johnson-military-personnel/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 Β· Spot an error? Report a correction.

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