Robert Klein (Medal of Honor)
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Robert Klein (November 11, 1848 – November 29, 1931) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Robert Klein | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 11, 1848 Gerdonen, Germany |
| Died | November 29, 1931 (aged 83) |
| Allegiance | United States |
Branch | United States Navy |
Rank | Chief Carpenter's Mate |
| Unit | USS Raleigh (C-8) |
Conflicts | Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Klein was born November 11, 1848, in Gerdonen, Germany, and joined the U.S. Navy from Marseille, France.[1] He served in the Spanish–American War of 1898.[2] By January 25, 1904, he was a chief carpenter's mate on the USS Raleigh (C-8). On that day, he rescued several shipmates who had been overcome by turpentine fumes in a double bottom compartment. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on October 6, 1904.[1]
Klein's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Serving on board the U.S.S. Raleigh, for heroism in rescuing shipmates overcome in double bottoms by fumes of turpentine, 25 January 1904.[1]
After his military service, Klein lived for several decades in Shanghai, China; he died there at age 83 on November 29, 1931.[2]
