David Sprowle

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Orderly Sergeant David Sprowle, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats, and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Orderly Sergeant Sprowle inspired the men of the Marine guard and directed a division of great guns throughout the furious battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)

Action Date: August 5, 1864

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Orderly Sergeant

Division: U.S.S. Richmond