August Wilson

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boilermaker August Wilson, United States Navy, for gallant conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Puritan and at the time of the collapse of one of the crown sheets of Boiler E on that vessel, 1 July 1897. Wrapping wet cloths about his face and arms, Boilermaker Wilson entered the fireroom and opened the safety valve, thus removing the danger of disabling the other boilers.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 482, November 1, 1897

Action Date: July 1, 1897

Service: Navy

Rank: Boilermaker

Division: U.S.S. Puritan