George F. Brady

George F. Brady, (real name was George Patrick Brady), was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Spanish–American War .

Brady was born on September 7, 1867 in Ireland and enlisted in the United States Navy on November 30, 1884.

He was a Chief Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Winslow (TB-5) during the Battle of Cardenas, Cuba.

During the battle, the Winslow was damaged by Spanish gunfire. Brady assisted in sustaining fire on the Spanish, made efforts to repair the ship's steering gear and helped maintain its watertight integrity to prevent it from sinking. For his heroism he was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Navy on September 3, 1899.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was also promoted to the warrant officer rank of Gunner on June 27, 1898 in recognition of his herosim.

Brady committed suicide while serving on board the U.S.S. Monongahela in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on November 6, 1903. He stated shortly before his suicide that "the pain was unbearable" but it is unclear if his pain was physical or emotional.

He was buried in the Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island, where his wife and children lived.

It should be noted that his name in records pertaining to the Medal of Honor is "George F. Brady" and the name on his tombstone is "George P. Brady". The reason for this descrepency is probably that his name was mis-transcribed when his Medal of Honor citation was written.

Rank and organization: Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 7 September 1867, Ireland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 497, September 3, 1898.

Citation:

Chief gunner's mate on board the torpedo boat Winslow, for gallant and conspicuous conduct in the action at Cardenas, Cuba, May 11, 1898. Brady's energy in assisting to sustain fire, his efforts to repair the steering gear under fire, and his promptness in maintaining closed watertight doors and hatches, was largely instrumental in saving the vessel.