Samuel F. Rodgers
Quartermaster, U.S. Navy

Samuel F. Rodgers was born in 1845 in Buffalo, NY.

On 11 June 1871, Quartermaster Samuel F. Rodgers 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 Rodgers 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: 1845, Buffalo, NY. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 169, February 8, 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado during the attack and capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Fighting courageously at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, Rogers was wounded by the enemy.

Death and Burial

Quartermaster Samuel F. Rodgers died on 1 November 1905. He is buried at Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Cook County, IL, in Section CL, Plot 1700.