Skip to main content

Military Health System

Clear Your Browser Cache

This website has recently undergone changes. Users finding unexpected concerns may care to clear their browser's cache to ensure a seamless experience.

Surgeon Cary Langhorne

Date of Award: December 4, 1915
Conflict: Occupation of Veracruz
Branch: U.S. Navy

Surgeon Cary Langhorne portraitAttached to the battleship U.S.S. Vermont and the Second Seaman Regiment, Surgeon Langhorne served with distinction during the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, April 1914. On the morning of April 22, troops from the Second Seaman Regiment (sailors from battleships U.S.S. New Hampshire, U.S.S. Vermont, U.S.S. South Carolina and U.S.S. New Jersey) prepared to occupy the city of Vera Cruz. Their commanding officer took no precautions against enemy attack while marching toward the Mexican Naval Academy and the sailors came under heavy fire from the Naval Academy cadets. Chaos ruled the streets, but Langhorne and a few enlisted men received notice for attending and removing the wounded while the American Sailors regrouped. Langhorne personally carried a wounded man from the battlefield, for which he received the Medal of Honor.

Citation: “For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Surg. Langhorne carried a wounded man from the front of the Naval Academy while under heavy fire.”

Last Updated: July 11, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery