Shimonoseki Campaign Victoria Cross Recipient. He was the first American to win this award, which he received at Southsea, Hampshire, England on September 22, 1865 for his actions as an ordinary seaman in the British Royal Navy, serving aboard the frigate HMS Eurylaus on September 6, 1864 during the Shimonoseki Expedition, off the coast of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan. Born in Milford (one source says Topsham), Maine, nothing is known of his early life or the circumstances leading to his joining the British Navy or when he joined it. He distinguished himself "by carrying out a daring reconnaissance to ascertain the enemy's position, and then, although wounded, continued to take part in the final assault on the battery." He died in Dedham, Massachusetts at the age of 74.
Shimonoseki Campaign Victoria Cross Recipient. He was the first American to win this award, which he received at Southsea, Hampshire, England on September 22, 1865 for his actions as an ordinary seaman in the British Royal Navy, serving aboard the frigate HMS Eurylaus on September 6, 1864 during the Shimonoseki Expedition, off the coast of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan. Born in Milford (one source says Topsham), Maine, nothing is known of his early life or the circumstances leading to his joining the British Navy or when he joined it. He distinguished himself "by carrying out a daring reconnaissance to ascertain the enemy's position, and then, although wounded, continued to take part in the final assault on the battery." He died in Dedham, Massachusetts at the age of 74.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Seeley memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
