John McFarland (Medal of Honor)

John C. McFarland (1840 – October 3, 1881) was a sailor in the United States Navy and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

John C. McFarland
Gravestone of John McFarland
Born1840
Boston, Massachusetts
DiedOctober 3, 1881 (aged 40–41)
Lowell, Massachusetts
Place of burial
Edson Cemetery
Lowell, Massachusetts
AllegianceUnited States of America
Union
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Union Navy
RankCaptain of the Forecastle
UnitUSS Ohio (1820)
USS Hartford (1858)
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
*Battle of Mobile Bay
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

McFarland entered the Navy at Boston, Massachusetts on December 24, 1861 as seaman on USS Ohio (1820), later transferring to USS Hartford in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rated captain of the forecastle, he had the station at the wheel in every engagement in which Hartford participated. During the Battle of Mobile Bay 4 and August 5, 1864. McFarland left his sickbed to take up station, keeping the wheel of Admiral David Farragut's flagship throughout the storm of shell and shot. He was commended by his commanding officers for his fortitude and intelligence and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant and meritorious service.

McFarland died on October 3, 1881 at the age of 41.

Namesake

USS McFarland (DD-237) was named for him.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization:

Captain of the Forecastle, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Boston, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864.

Citation:

Stationed at the wheel on board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful action against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864. With his ship under terrific enemy shellfire, McFarland performed his duties with skill and courage and, when the Lackawanna ran into his ship and every man at the wheel was in danger of being crushed, remained steadfast at his station and continued to steer the ship.[1]
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See also

Notes
  1. "McFarland, John, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient". American Civil War website. 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2007-11-08.

References
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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