William Henry Harrison Seeley

William Henry Harrison Seeley, VC (1 May 1840 – 1 October 1914) was an American who fought with the British Royal Navy during the Shimonoseki Campaign in Japan and was a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the first American-born recipient of the VC.

William Henry Harrison Seeley
Born(1840-05-01)1 May 1840
Topsham, Maine
Died1 October 1914(1914-10-01) (aged 74)
Dedham, Massachusetts
Buried
Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton, Massachusetts
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Navy
RankOrdinary Seaman
UnitHMS Euryalus
Battles/wars
AwardsVictoria Cross

Details

He was 24 years old, and an ordinary seaman in the Royal Navy during the Shimonoseki Campaign in Japan when, on 6 September 1864 at Shimonoseki, during the capture of the enemy's stockade, Ordinary Seaman Seeley of HMS Euryalus distinguished himself by carrying out a daring reconnaissance to ascertain the enemy's position, and then, although wounded, continuing to take part in the final assault on the battery.[1][2] He was presented his medal at Southsea on 22 September 1865 together with Thomas Pride and Duncan Gordon Boyes who also won their Victoria Crosses at Shimonoseki. He was the first American citizen to win the Victoria Cross. His medal is not publicly displayed, and its location is currently unknown.

References
  1. "No. 22913". The London Gazette. November 18, 1864. p. 5471.
  2. "No. 22913". The London Gazette. November 18, 1864. p. 5472.
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