John Andrews
Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy

John Andrews was born in 1821.

On 11 June 1871, Ordinary Seaman Andrews was serving on the USS Benicia during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

John Andrews was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 9 and 10 June 1871.

Medal of Honor Citation

On board the USS Benicia in action against Korean forts on 9 and 10 June 1871. Stationed at the lead in passing the forts, Andrews stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope. He remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire.