Robert Klein (Medal of Honor)

Robert Klein (November 11, 1848 – November 29, 1931) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Robert Klein
Born(1848-11-11)November 11, 1848
Gerdonen, Germany
DiedNovember 29, 1931(1931-11-29) (aged 83)
Shanghai, China
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankChief Carpenter's Mate
UnitUSS Raleigh (C-8)
Battles/warsSpanish–American War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

Klein was born November 11, 1848, in Gerdonen, Germany, and joined the U.S. Navy from Marseille, France.[1] He served in the Spanish–American War of 1898.[2] By January 25, 1904, he was a chief carpenter's mate on the USS Raleigh (C-8). On that day, he rescued several shipmates who had been overcome by turpentine fumes in a double bottom compartment. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on October 6, 1904.[1]

Klein's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Raleigh, for heroism in rescuing shipmates overcome in double bottoms by fumes of turpentine, 25 January 1904.[1]

After his military service, Klein lived for several decades in Shanghai, China; he died there at age 83 on November 29, 1931.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1901-1911". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
  2. "[Unknown]". The China Weekly Review. Shanghai: Millard Publishing House. 59 (1): 31. 1931. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
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