Nicholas Erickson

Coxswain, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Coxswain Nicholas Erickson (18 July 1870 - 21 June 1931) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

Nicholas Erickson was born 18 July 1870 in Finland and after entering the U.S. Navy, he was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Marblehead.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the USS 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.

Death and Burial

Coxswain Nicholas Erickson died on 21 June 1931. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, NY.