John Handran

John Handran (1852-1885) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

John Handran
Born(1852-06-29)June 29, 1852
Massachusetts, US
DiedDecember 12, 1885(1885-12-12) (aged 33)
Gloucester, Massachusetts, US
Buried
Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
RankSeaman
UnitUSS Franklin
Awards Medal of Honor
Children3

Biography

Handran was born on Jun 29, 1852 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, US.[1]

Career

In December 1873, Handran joined the Navy as a seaman.[2] By January 9, 1876, he was serving as a Seaman on the USS Franklin. On that morning, while Franklin was at Lisbon, Portugal, Landsman Henry O. Neil fell from the ship's lower boom into the water and was swept away by a strong tidal current. Handran and another sailor, Ordinary Seaman Edward Maddin, jumped overboard and kept Neil afloat until a boat could be sent to their assistance. For this action, both Handran and Maddin were awarded the Medal of Honor a month later, on February 15. In his letter of recommendation, the ship's captain stated that Handran had "displayed the same sort of gallantry on several occasions."[3][4]

Handran's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For gallant conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Franklin at Lisbon, Portugal, 9 January 1876. Jumping overboard, Handran rescued from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.[2]

Death

Handran died on December 12, 1885, at age 33 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was lost at sea aboard the Schooner Cleopatra.[5] He is buried at the Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

See also

References
  1. United States Naval Enlistment Rendezvous, 1855-1891.
  2. "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  3. Robeson, George M.; S.R. Franklin (February 15, 1876). "General Order, No. 206". General Orders and Circulars Issued by the Navy Department. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 145. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  4. "John Handran's Heroism. Gallant Rescue of a Shipmate of the United States Steamer Franklin From Drowning in the Gagus at Lisbon". New York Daily Herald. New York, New York. 1876-02-24.
  5. "Crew of the Cleopatra". The Boston Globe. Boston, Massachusetts. Retrieved 2020-08-04.


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