Wyndham Richard Bates (1829–1889)[1] was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Wyndham Richard Bates | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1829 Wales |
| Died | December 7, 1889 (aged 59–60)[1] |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS De Soto |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
A native of Wales, Bates immigrated to the U.S. and joined the Navy from the state of New York. By May 10, 1866, he was serving as a seaman on the USS De Soto. On that day, while the De Soto was off the coast of Eastport, Maine, he and two shipmates rescued two sailors from the USS Winooski from drowning. For this action, he and his shipmates, Captain of the Afterguard John Brown and Seaman Thomas Burke, were awarded the Medal of Honor three months later, on August 1.[2][3]
Bates' official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For heroic conduct in rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of the U.S.S. Winooski, off Eastport, Maine, 10 May 1866.[2]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c "Burials of Interim 1866–1870 Medal of Honor Recipients Affiliated with New York" (PDF). dmna.ny.gov. New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.
- ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients – Interim Awards, 1866–1870". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
External links edit
- "Richard Bates". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- "Richard Bates". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved July 21, 2010.