Yesterday I wrote that a howitzer battery from the USS Wabash participated in the Battle of Pocatligo, South Carolina, a battle I had never heard of before. I will be writing about the battle in my Saw the Elephant Civil War Blog since this was mostly a land action. However, one of the Wabash's sailors manning the howitzers was one Oscar Walter Farenholt whom the Navy Chronology said was the first-ever sailor to go from enlisted to flag-rank (admiral). I'd never heard of him before so good old Wiki to the rescue.
Oscar Walter Farenholt (I keep thinking Farenheit for some reason) May 2, 1945-June 30, 1920. Was a naval man in the Civil War and Spanish-American War and the first enlisted man to reach flag rank. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, and spoke only German until the age of 8.
Later, he became a merchant sailor before entering US Navy service April 24, 1861. Participated in the Hatteras Inlet, Port Royal and Fort Pulaski battles.
On Oct. 22, 1862, while serving on the USS Wabash, he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pocotaligo in South Carolina and later discharged because of the injury.
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
No comments:
Post a Comment