On June 19, 1864, he was serving as a quartermaster on the sloop of war USS Kearsarge when she sank the commerce raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France.
He was awarded his Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire exhibited while steering the ship.
Poole died on August 15, 1904[2] and is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, Massachusetts.
[2] Fellow Civil War Medal of Honor recipient John G. B. Adams is buried in the same cemetery.
Stationed at the helm, Poole steered the ship during the engagement in a cool and most creditable manner and was highly commended by his divisional officer for his gallantry under fire.