Joseph Matthews (Medal of Honor)

Joseph Matthews (c. 1849 - November 11, 1912) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography
Matthews was born in about 1849 in Malta. After immigrating to the United States, he joined the navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Constitution as captain of the top when, on February 13, 1879, he risked his life to cut the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains in a heavy gale. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor on October 18, 1884.

He died on November 11, 1912.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1849, Malta. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884.

Citation:

"For courageous conduct in going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains."