Nick Erickson
Encyclopedia
Nicholas “Nick” Erickson (July 18, 1870-June 21, 1931) was a Coxswain
serving in the United States Navy
during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor
for bravery.
and after entering the navy he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S. Marblehead as a Coxswain.
He died June 21, 1931 and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery Bronx, New York
.
Citation:
Coxswain
The coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives us a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cox, a coxboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, which can be rendered as boy, in authority. ...
serving in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for bravery.
Biography
Erickson was born July 18, 1870 in FinlandFinland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
and after entering the navy he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S. Marblehead as a Coxswain.
He died June 21, 1931 and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery Bronx, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 18 July 1870, Finland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Erickson set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War