John Griffiths (Medal of Honor)


John Griffiths was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.

Military service

Emigrating from his native Wales, Griffiths volunteered for service in the Union Army in 1864 as a private in the 30th Massachusetts Infantry. Within 30 days of his army enlistment, Griffiths transferred to the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union brig. His enlistment is credited to the state of Massachusetts.
On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Griffiths was a member of the storming party.

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Forecastle John Griffiths, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 15 January 1865. As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, Captain of the Forecastle Griffiths bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle. He was one of six men who entered the fort in the assault from the fleet.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain of the Forecastle
Division: U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba