Christian Osepins
Christian Osepins | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1858 Netherlands |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS Fortune |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Christian Osepins (born 1858, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Biography
Born in 1858 in the Netherlands, Osepins immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy from New York. By May 7, 1882, he was serving as a Seaman on the USS Fortune. On that day, while Fortune was at Hampton Roads, Virginia, he and another sailor, Ordinary Seaman Johannes Rouning, jumped overboard and rescued Gunner's Mate James Walters from drowning.[1]
For this action, both Osepins and Rouning were awarded the Medal of Honor two and a half years later, on October 18, 1884.[1] Osepins had not claimed his medal as of 1898, and the decoration remained in the possession of the Navy Department.[2]
Osepins'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.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ "Medals awaiting owners". The New York Times. New York. February 7, 1898. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
External links
- "Christian Osepins". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
- "Christian Osepins". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved September 7, 2010.