Richard Hamilton

Richard Hamilton (January 23, 1836 – July 6, 1881), a Union Navy Coal Heaver, received the Medal of Honor for bravery for his participation in the sinking of the CSS Albemarle during the American Civil War. Military service Hamilton, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, served in the Union Navy from 1862 to 1865. He was taken prisoner after the action on the Roanoke River for which he would later be honored. An article appeared in the July 4, 1879, Philadelphia Times newspaper about Hamilton. It read: Richard Hamilton lives at 260 Liberty street, Camden. He declares that he was one of the number who, with Cushing, aided in blowing up the Rebel ram Albemarle, at Plymouth, N. C., October 27, 1864. When he enlisted he was a resident of this city. He is now unable to work and his family are in destitute circumstances. "Cushing and the officers got all the prize money," remarked Hamilton the other day, "while us privates received nothing. Had I my share, over two thousand dollars, I need not live as I live now. Twelve of us have not received a cent from the government, although the matter has been brought before the courts and Congress." Hamilton was honorably discharged and was awarded the medal of honor, March 12, 1865, for gallant and meritorious conduct while serving in the picket boat which destroyed the Rebel ram Albemarle. The inscription on the medal reads: "Personal valor - Richard Hamilton, Coal Heaver, Picket Boat No. 1 - Destruction of the Albemarle, October 27, 1864.