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.

Handran and another sailor, Ordinary Seaman Edward Maddin, jumped overboard and kept Neil afloat until a boat could be sent to their assistance.

For this action, both Handran and Maddin were awarded the Medal of Honor a month later, on February 15.

In his letter of recommendation, the ship's captain stated that Handran had "displayed the same sort of gallantry on several occasions.

"[3][4] Handran's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For gallant conduct while serving on board the U.S.S.