16 August 2009

Medal of Honor: P. R. Vaughn

PINKERTON R VAUGHN

Sergeant, US Marine Corps; USS Mississippi

Born: 1839, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Died: 22 August 1866

Citation: Serving on board the [sidewheel steamer] U.S.S. Mississippi during her abandonment and firing in the action with the Port Hudson batteries, 14 March 1863. During the abandonment of the Mississippi which had to be grounded, Sgt. Vaughn rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer, remaining with the ship until all the crew had landed and the ship had been fired to prevent its falling into enemy hands. Persistent until the last, and conspicuously cool under the heavy shellfire, Sgt. Vaughn was finally ordered to save himself as he saw fit.

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