Alphonse Girandy

Alphonse Girandy (January 21, 1868 – April 3, 1941) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Alphonse Girandy
Born	(1868-01-21)January 21, 1868 Guadeloupe
Died	April 3, 1941(1941-04-03) (aged 73)
Place of burial	Philadelphia National Cemetery, Pennsylvania
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Navy
Rank	Seaman
Unit	USS Petrel (PG-2)
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Girandy, of Pennsylvania, joined the Navy and served during the Spanish–American War in 1898. On March 31, 1901, he was working as a Seaman on the USS Petrel (PG-2) when a fire broke out on the ship. For his actions on that occasion, Seaman Girandy was awarded the Medal of Honor one year later, on March 22, 1902. His official Medal of Honor citation reads: "Serving on board the U.S.S. Petrel, for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others, on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, March 31, 1901." He continued to serve in the Navy into World War I.

Alphonse Girandy tombstone in Philadelphia National Cemetery

Girandy died at age 73 and was buried in Philadelphia National Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Awards

• Medal of Honor
• Good Conduct Medal
• Spanish Campaign Medal
• Philippine Campaign Medal
• World War I Victory Medal

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: January 21, 1868, Guadeloupe, West Indies. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 85, March 22, 1902.

Citation:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Petrel, for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others, on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, March 31, 1901.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients during Peacetime
• List of African American Medal of Honor recipients

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.