Christopher Nugent (Medal of Honor)
Christopher Nugent (c. 1838 – May 6, 1898) was an orderly sergeant serving in the United States Marine Corps who received the United States military's highest decoration for bravery, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the American Civil War.
Christopher Nugent | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1838 County Cavan, Ireland |
| Died | May 6, 1898 (aged 59–60) |
| Place of burial | Saint Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, New York |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1858 - 1865 |
| Rank | Orderly sergeant |
| Unit | USS Fort Henry (1862) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Nugent was born in Ireland and after immigrating to the United States, joined the United States Marine Corps. He served on several vessels including the USS Fort Henry where he saw action during the American Civil War. It was while assigned to the Fort Henry that he became the third Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, for his actions, while in charge of a reconnoitering party in Florida, that forced an enemy group to retreat into a swamp. In addition to eliminating the enemy fortification they also captured weapons and destroyed equipment so it could no longer be used by the enemy.