Michael Gibbons

Oiler, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Oiler Michael Gibbons (15 November 1866 - 27 February 1933) 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.

Michael Gibbons was born on 15 November 1866 in Ireland and after immigrating to the United States, he entered the U.S. Navy. He was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Nashville as an Oiler.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Oiler, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the USS Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Gibbons set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

After being discharged from the Navy, he lived for a while in Portsmouth, VA, and after living in the U.S. for 35 years, he returned to Ireland.

Death and Burial

Oiler Michael Gibbons died at his home in Ireland in 1933 and, until 1999, was buried in an unmarked grave in Old Kilmeena Cemetery, Kilmeena, Ireland. He is now buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, NY.