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.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
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
· 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.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:19 UTC