Michael Aheam [SEP] conflict
Michael Aheam
Michael Aheam (or Ahern) was an American sailor born in Cork County, Ireland around 1834 who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.
Aheam was illegally recruited in Queenstown, Ireland in November 1863 along with several others, and officially enlisted in the US Navy from France. He served as a Paymaster's Steward aboard during her battle with the commerce raider on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France. His Medal of Honor citation (dated December 31, 1864
star on the Civil War campaign streamer. In addition, 17 of "Kearsarge"s crew received the Medal of Honor for valor during this action:
- Michael Aheam
- John F. Bickford
- William S. Bond
- James Haley
- Mark G. Ham
- George H. Harrison
- John Hayes
- James H. Lee
- Charles Moore
- Joachim Pease
- Thomas Perry
- William B. Poole
- Charles A. Read
- George E. Read
- James Saunders
- William Smith