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John Smith

1826 – 1907

Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War

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About John Smith

Lived 1826 – 1907 (aged 81). John Smith was an American military personnel.

John Smith (February 17, 1826 December 31, 1907) 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 Mobile Bay.

Born in Albany, New York, Smith joined the Navy in September 1851. By August 5, 1864, he was serving as a second captain of the top and gun captain on the . On that day, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, he continued to man his gun despite heavy fire. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on December 31, 1864.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Medal of Honor

People in John Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Smith?

Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War (1826-1907)

When was John Smith born?

John Smith was born on 17 February 1826 in Albany.

When did John Smith die?

John Smith died on 31 December 1907 in Philadelphia.

What was John Smith's occupation?

John Smith was a military personnel.

What nationality was John Smith?

John Smith was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Smith

· Wikidata: Q6258281

· DBpedia: John Smith (Medal of Honor, born 1826)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Smith. https://biography.guide/john-smith-military-personnel-1826/

MLA: "John Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-smith-military-personnel-1826/.

Chicago: "John Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-smith-military-personnel-1826/.

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

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