USS Ivy and USS Red Rover

Thursday, I wrote about Michael Huskey, USN, not receiving his Medal of Honor in 1864 because he had died. I did some more research on the ships he was involved with. Besides the USS Carondolet, which he served on, there was the USS Ivy which he helped save under very adverse conditions, then, it said he died on the Hospital Ship Pinkney.

Good old Wikipedia said the USS Ivy was a tugboat originally built for the Army, but transferred to the Navy for use as a tugboat, dispatch boat and often Admiral Porter's flagship.

I couldn't find anything about a USS Pinkney, but most likely he died aboard he USS Red Rover, a former Confederate ship launched at Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1859 and captured after the fall of Island No. 10 in 1862. It became the US Navy's first hospital ship and cared for sick and wounded on western waters. A Ninian Pinkney was fleet surgeon in charge of the vessel and that was probably where the confusion of the ship's name emanated.

And, the Rest of the Story. --Old B-Runner

Michael Huskey-- Medal of Honor Winner-- Part 2

The November 2nd Lockport Union-Sun & Observer also wrote that the USS Carondolet fought in more naval engagements than any US ship until World War II. Fireman Huskey volunteered to put out fires on the deck of the USS Ivy and did so under Confederate fire and with animals and snakes dropping from the trees onto the deck.

Michael Huskey was described as being 5 foot 7 inches tall and an Irish immigrant. He died on or about October 28, 1864, of illness aboard the hospital ship Pinkney and is probably one of 8,000 unknown soldiers buried at the Memphis Cemetery.

The USS Ivy was a screw tug originally built by the Army but transferred to the Navy where it served as a tugboat and dispatch boat. On occasion, it also served as Admiral Porter's flagship. From Wikipedia.

No Longer So Unknown. --B-R

Michael Huskey-- Medal of Honor Winner-- Part 1

Efforts spearheaded by US Senator Charles E. Schumer are underway in New York state to have Michael Huskey's unclaimed Medal of Honor found and given to Niagara County for display.

He received it for gallant actions in March 1863 during the Steele's Bayou/Deer Creek Expedition, part of US Grant's attempts to get around Vicksburg's defenses. This involved sending a naval force into bayous and tight waters which ended in defeat.

On November 3rd, a Navy honor guard held a ceremony at the Niagara County legislative session. Senator Schumer wants the Navy and National Archives to search for it so it can be pit on display at the Niagara County Courthouse. I'm sure that if they can't find it, they would be happy to get a new one issued.

Michael Huskey is the 14th known Niagara County resident to receive a Medal of Honor. However, he died in 1864 before receiving it. He helped save the ironclad USS Carondolet and, according to the citation, volunteered to go to the aid of the tugboat USS Ivy which was on fire and under heavy Confederate fire and for "general meritorious conduct during this hazardous mission."

He was a fireman, US Navy who enlisted in NY, NY. By General Order No.:32, 16 April 1864. Only, he died before he could receive it.

Nov. 4th Lockport Union-Sun & Journal "Medal of Honor: Michael Huskey memorialized at Legislative session" by Bill Wolcott.

Here's Hoping They Are Able to Find the Original. --Old B-Runner