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Civil War

Joseph Irlam

Seaman · U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

5 August 1864 · USS Brooklyn

Branch
U.S. Navy
Era
Civil War
Home state
New York
Action
USS Brooklyn

The citation

Official citation

Stationed at the wheel on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. When heavy enemy fire struck down several men at their guns and replacements were not available, Irlam voluntarily released 2 men who were stationed with him and carried on at the wheel with the assistance of only one of the crew throughout the furious battle.

Sources

More from this battle

Ready I Left My Home — Staff Sgt. Anisha Johnson

Audio credits