Frederick H. Franklin
Quartermaster, U.S. Navy

Frederick H. Franklin was born in 1840 in Portsmouth, NH.

On 11 June 1871, Quartermaster Frederick H. Franklin was serving on the USS Colorado 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.

On 8 February 1872, Quartermaster Franklin was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 11 June 1871 in the attempt to save the life of Lieutenant Hugh McKee, U.S. Navy, who was mortally wounded in the action. As a naval officer, Lieutenant McKee was not eligible for the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Portsmouth, NH. Accredited to: New Hampshire. G.O. No.: 169, 8 February 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado during the attack and capture of the Korean forts on 11 June 1871. Assuming command of Company D, after Lt. McKee was wounded, Franklin handled the company with great credit until relieved.

Death and Burial

Quartermaster Frederick H. Franklin died in 1873. He is buried in Proprietors' Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH.