Herbert L. Foss

Herbert Louis Foss (October 12, 1871, Belfast, Maine – September 1, 1937 Hingham, Massachusetts) was a United States Navy Seaman who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Spanish–American War.

Spanish–American War

Foss joined in the United States Navy in January, 1897. He served as a seaman on the light cruiser USS Marblehead. On May 11, 1898, during combat off the northwest coast of Cuba, the crew of the USS Marblehead pulled the main communications cable over the bow of their boat. Despite being under heavy fire, they severed the cable. Foss finished the job with a hacksaw. The crew suffered many casualties, however they accomplished their mission of disrupting communications between Cuba and Spain.

Post war

After the war Foss moved to Hingham, Massachusetts and found work at an ammunition depot. He was a member of the United Spanish War Veterans. He became the superintendent of the Fort Hill Cemetery and on September 1, 1937, while working at the cemetery, Foss died of heart disease. He was buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery Hingham, Massachusetts.

Awards

• Medal of Honor
• Good Conduct Medal
• Sampson Medal
• Spanish Campaign Medal

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 12 October 1871, Belfast, Maine. Accredited To: Maine. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Foss set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.