Quick Facts
Biography
August Ohmsen (March 15, 1854-February 13, 1938) was a Master-at-Arms serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Biography
Ohmsen was born March 15, 1854 in Germany and after immigrating to the United States entered the navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Tallapoosa (1863) as a Master-at-Arms when, just before midnight August 21, 1884 the USS Tallapoosa collided with the schooner ‘’James S. Lowell’’ about five miles from Vineyard Haven, Rhode Island and started to sink. Ohmsen began clearing the deck and remained there until the water was waist deep, wading through it with outstretched arms waking up the men who were still asleep in their hammocks. Then, going on deck, he assisted in lowering the first cutter and then the dinghy, of which he took charge. For his actions on that night he received the Medal October 18, 1884.
He died February 13, 1938 and is buried in Saint Pauls Cemetery Portsmouth, Virginia. His grave can be found in section B, lot 2.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Master-at-Arms, U.S. Navy. Born: 1853, Germany. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Clearing the berth deck, Ohmsen remained there until the water was waist deep, wading about with outstretched arms, rousing the men out of their hammocks. Then, going on deck, he assisted in lowering the first cutter and then the dinghy, of which he took charge.