Johannes Rouning (born Rønning; 11 May 1859 – ) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He was born in Norway in May 1859[3] and emigrated in 1881, at age 23[4] and became a U.S. citizen in 1892.[5]
Johannes Rouning | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Johannes Petersen Rønning |
| Born | 11 May 1859[1] Trondheim, Norway[2] |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Ordinary Seaman |
| Unit | USS Fortune |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
On May 7, 1882, Rouning was serving as an ordinary seaman on the USS Fortune at Hampton Roads, Virginia. On that day, he and another sailor, Seaman Christian Osepins, jumped overboard and rescued Gunner's Mate James Walters from drowning. For this action, both Rouning and Osepins were awarded the Medal of Honor two and a half years later, on October 18, 1884.[6]
Rouning's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For jumping overboard from the U.S. Tug Fortune, 7 May 1882, at Hampton Roads, Va., and rescuing from drowning James Walters, gunner's mate.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Norway, Select Baptisms, 1634–1927
- ^ U.S., Naval Enlistment Rendezvous, 1855–1891
- ^ "Lost to History » Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States".
- ^ Norway, Emigration Records, 1867–1960
- ^ U.S., Naturalization Record Indexes, 1791–1992
- ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
External links edit
- "Johannes Rouning". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved September 7, 2010.