Alphonse Girandy, Seaman

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.

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.

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

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: January 21, 1868, Guadaloupe, 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