Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted in the Union Navy during the Civil War, and served as a Captain of the Top on board the sloop-of-war “USS Kearsarge”. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in action when the “Kearsarge” fought and destroyed the Confederate Navy commerce raider “CSS Alabama” off Cherbourg, France on June 19, 1864. His citation reads “Acting as captain of the No. 1 gun, Strahan carried out his duties in the face of heavy enemy fire and exhibited marked coolness and good conduct throughout the engagement. Strahan was highly recommended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievements.” His Medal was awarded to him on December 31, 1864. After the war and his discharge from the United States Navy, he disappeared into history, and his subsequent life and final disposition remain unknown. He was one of seventeen “Kearsarge” crewmen to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the battle, including Paymaster’s Steward Michael Ahern, Captain of the Top John F. Bickford, Boatswain's Mate William S. Bond, Captain of the Forecastle James Haley, Carpenter’s Mate Mark G. Ham, Seaman George H. Harrison, Coxswain John Hayes, Seaman James H. Lee, Seaman Charles Moore, Seaman Joachim Pease, Boatswain’s Mate Thomas Perry, Quartermaster William B. Poole, Coxswain Charles A. Read, Seaman George E. Read, Chief Quartermaster James Saunders and Quartermaster William Smith.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted in the Union Navy during the Civil War, and served as a Captain of the Top on board the sloop-of-war “USS Kearsarge”. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in action when the “Kearsarge” fought and destroyed the Confederate Navy commerce raider “CSS Alabama” off Cherbourg, France on June 19, 1864. His citation reads “Acting as captain of the No. 1 gun, Strahan carried out his duties in the face of heavy enemy fire and exhibited marked coolness and good conduct throughout the engagement. Strahan was highly recommended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievements.” His Medal was awarded to him on December 31, 1864. After the war and his discharge from the United States Navy, he disappeared into history, and his subsequent life and final disposition remain unknown. He was one of seventeen “Kearsarge” crewmen to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the battle, including Paymaster’s Steward Michael Ahern, Captain of the Top John F. Bickford, Boatswain's Mate William S. Bond, Captain of the Forecastle James Haley, Carpenter’s Mate Mark G. Ham, Seaman George H. Harrison, Coxswain John Hayes, Seaman James H. Lee, Seaman Charles Moore, Seaman Joachim Pease, Boatswain’s Mate Thomas Perry, Quartermaster William B. Poole, Coxswain Charles A. Read, Seaman George E. Read, Chief Quartermaster James Saunders and Quartermaster William Smith.
Bio by: Don Morfe
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