George E. Read
Born: 1838 at Rhode Island, Rhode Island
Home Town: Riverside, Rhode Island
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 Seaman George E. Read, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action as Seaman 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 No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Seaman Read exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.
