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Benjamin Swearer

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Benjamin Swearer
Seaman Benjamin Swearer
Born(1825-05-18)May 18, 1825
Baltimore, Maryland
DiedNovember 2, 1902(1902-11-02) (aged 77)
AllegianceUnited States of America
Union
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Union Navy
RankSeaman
UnitUSS Pawnee
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War
*Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries
AwardsMedal of Honor

Benjamin Swearer (May 18, 1825 – November 2, 1902) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the American Civil War.

While serving as a Seaman aboard the steam sloop-of-war USS Pawnee on August 29, 1861, Swearer took part in the capture of Fort Clark at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina. For his service during this action, known as the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries, Swearer was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 3, 1863.

Medal of Honor citation

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Rank and Organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1825, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 11, April 3, 1863.

Citation:

Embarked in a surfboat from the U.S.S. Pawnee during action against Fort Clark, off Baltimore Inlet, August 29, 1861. Taking part in a mission to land troops and to remain inshore and provide protection, Swearer rendered gallant service throughout the action and had the honor of being the first man to raise the flag on the captured fort.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ ""Medal of Honor website" (M-Z): Swearer, Benjamin". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2007-11-09.
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.