John McFarland

Infobox Military Person
name= John C. McFarland
born= 1840
died= October 3, Death year and age|1881|1840
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=
placeofburial=


caption=
nickname=
allegiance= United States of America Union
branch= United States Navy Union Navy
serviceyears=
rank= Captain
commands=
unit= USS Ohio USS Hartford
battles= American Civil War *Battle of Mobile Bay
awards= Medal of Honor
laterwork=

John C. McFarland (1840–1881) 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.

Biography

McFarland entered the Navy at Boston, Massachusetts on December 24, 1861 as seaman on "Ohio", later transferring to "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.cite web
publisher = American Civil War website
title = McFarland, John, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient
date = 2007-11-08
url = http://americancivilwar.com/medal_of_honor6.html
accessdate = 2007-11-08]

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*

Notes

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/states/pages_go/mcfarland_john_ma.html Medal of Honor Recipient John McFarland] , Home of Heroes.com.
* [http://www.army.mil/cmh/html/moh/civwarmz.html Army Medal of Honor website M-Z] Center of Military History
*findagrave|8155630 Retrieved on 2007-11-08

Persondata
NAME= McFarland, John
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION= Navy Medal of Honor recipient
DATE OF BIRTH=
PLACE OF BIRTH=
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=