John F. Bickford
Born: March 12, 1843 at Tremont, Maine
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
Medal of Honor
U.S. Navy
American Civil War
War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Top John F. Bickford, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as the first loader of the pivot gun during this bitter engagement Captain of the Top Bickford exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.
