George Washington Bright

Coal Passer, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Coal Passer George Washington Bright (27 December 1874 - 20 March1949) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S.military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actionsduring the Spanish-American War.

George Washington Bright was born 27 December 1874 in Norfolk, VA, and after entering the Navy, he was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Nashville.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Coal Passer, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the USS Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Bright set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Death and Burial

Coal Passer George Washington Bright died on 20 March 1949. He is buried at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA. His grave can be found in Ward C, Section 13, Lot 6.