On that morning, while Franklin was at Lisbon, Portugal, Landsman Henry O. Neil fell from the ship's lower boom into the water and was swept away by a strong tidal current.
Maddin and another sailor, Seaman John Handran, jumped overboard and kept Neil afloat until a boat could be sent to their assistance.
For this action, both Maddin and Handran were awarded the Medal of Honor a month later, on February 15.
[4] Maddin's official Medal of Honor citation reads: Serving on board the U.S.S.
Displaying gallant conduct, Maddin jumped overboard and rescued one of the crew of that vessel from drowning.