Facticles: John Ortega

Born: 1840 in Spain

Immigration: 1856 arrived with family in Pennsylvania. He was naturalized on October 2, 1863.

Ship: USS Saratoga

Rank: Seaman then Master’s Mate

First Hispanic American in the U.S. Navy to receive

The Congressional Medal of Honor. 1/13/1864.

Medal of Honor Citation: “Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Saratoga during actions of that vessel on 2 occasions. Carrying out his duties courageously during these actions, Ortega conducted himself gallantly through both periods. Promoted to acting master’s mate.”General Order No. 45

Picture: Ortega’s CMOH U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph; Photo #: NH 105926 from Wikipedia