Richard Hamilton Taylor (September 8, 1870-March 24, 1956) was a quartermaster serving in the United States Navy

United States Navy

The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...

 who received the Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...

 for bravery.

Biography

Taylor was born September 8, 1870 in Staunton, Virginia

Staunton, Virginia

Staunton is an independent city within the confines of Augusta County in the commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 23,746 as of 2010. It is the county seat of Augusta County....

 and later joined the navy. He was stationed aboard the as a quartermaster when, on March 16, 1889 a hurricane overwhelmed the ship while it was moored in Apia, Samoa

Apia, Samoa

-Administration:Apia is part of the Tuamasaga political district and of election district Vaimauga West and Faleata East. There is no city administration for Apia. Apia consists of some 45 individual, independent villages...

. For his actions received the Medal of Honor March 20, 1905.

He died March 24, 1956 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery Brighton, Massachusetts. His grave can be found in the Pine Grove section, grave 821.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1871, Virginia. Accredited to: Virginia. G.O. No.: 157, 20 April 1904.

Citation:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Nipsic, Taylor displayed gallantry during the hurricane at Apia, Samoa, 16 March 1889.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients during peacetime

External links