BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY : AFRICAN AMERICAN " JOACHIM PEASE " WAS A UNITED STATES NAVY SALIOR AND A MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT FOR ACTION DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR : GOES INTO THE " HALL OF BLACK HEROES "

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Joachim Pease

Joachim Pease
A U.S. Navy poster featuring Pease
Born	1842
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Navy Union Navy
Years of service	1862-1865
Rank	Seaman
Unit	USS Kearsarge
Battles/wars	American Civil War *Sinking of CSS Alabama
Awards	Medal of Honor

Joachim Pease (born 1842, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the American Civil War.

Biography

Although Joachim Pease has been referred to as a native of Long Island, New York, recently unearthed records in the National Archives show that when he enlisted in the United States Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on January 12, 1862 for a three year hitch, he listed his birthplace as Fogo Island, which is part of Newfoundland. He was described as twenty years old, five feet, six and a half inches tall, with black hair and eyes and a "negro" complexion.^[1]

Joachim Pease enlisted in the Navy from New Bedford, Massachusetts, not New York City, as commonly reported, and served onboard USS Kearsarge during the Civil War. On June 19, 1864, off the coast of Cherbourg, France,Kearsarge battled the Confederate sloop-of-war CSS Alabama. For his conduct during this engagement, Pease was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization:

Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: Long Island, N.Y. Accredited To: New York. G.O. No.: 45, December 31, 1864.

Citation:

Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire.^[2]