Alexander Crawford (sailor)

Having initially served 16 months during the war's early years, he re-enlisted at the rank of fireman, second class in the U.S. Navy in Philadelphia in February 1864.

As the Union Navy gunboats Mattabesset, Sassacus, Whitehead, and Wyalusing formed a line of battle that afternoon, they were supported by the Miami, Ceres and Commodore Hull.

Wyalusing; volunteered May 25, 1864, in a night attempt to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle, in Roanoke River, and, although it was unsuccessful, he displayed courage, zeal, and unwearied exertion on the occasion.In his report on the incident, Captain Melancton Smith of the U.S.S.

The party left at 2 o’clock p.m. of the 25th (having made a reconnaissance two days before) and ascended the Middle River in the Mattabesett’s dingey with two torpedoes, each containing 100 pounds of powder and their appendages, which they transported on a stretcher across the island swamp.

Charles Baldwin, coal heaver, and John W. Lloyd, coxswain, then swam the Roanoke River with a line and hauled the torpedoes over to the Plymouth shore above the town.

These two men, with the boat keeper, Benjamin Lloyd, returned to the ship the morning of the 27th, after an absence of thirty-eight hours in the swamp, encountering the additional discomfort of a rainy day and night.

The plan of executing it was their own, except in some minor details, and although defeated in their purpose (by accidentally fouling a schooner), I deem it my imperative duty to recommend that Alexander Crawford, fireman, and Charles Baldwin, coal heaver, be promoted to a higher grade, and that all receive the pecuniary reward awarded by act of Congress for distinguished services.

May 29.—At 8 p.m. the Commodore Barney came alongside and brought Alexander Crawford and Charles Baldwin from the expedition of the 26th.Afterward, the Wyalusing remained in the area.

Following the Albemarle's destruction by Union troops in late October, the Wyalusing moved with other Union gunboats up the Roanoke toward Plymouth, crossed over to Middle River, steamed to another crossover point, and then steamed back down toward Plymouth where, the next day, they exchanged fire with Confederate artillery batteries and rifle pits on shore.

[11][12] According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Alexander Crawford's official Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: On board the U.S.S.