Frank Newcomb

Infobox Military Person
name=Frank Hamilton Newcomb
lived= 10 November 1846&ndash;20 February 1934 (age #expr:(1934)-(1846)-((2)<(11)or(2)=(11)and(20)<(10)))
placeofbirth=Boston, Massachusetts
placeofdeath=Los Angeles, California


caption=Recipient of the Cardenas Medal of Honor
nickname=
allegiance=flagicon|United States United States Revenue Cutter Service
serviceyears=
rank=Commodore
commands=USRC Hudson (1893)
unit=
battles=Battle of Cárdenas
awards=Cardenas Medal of Honor
laterwork=
portrayedby= Frank Hamilton Newcomb (10 November 1846 - 20 February 1934) was a Commodore in the United States Revenue Cutter Service. Commodore Newcomb was most famous for his heroic actions at the Battle of Cárdenas during the Spanish-American War.

Newcomb was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

At the time the Spanish-American War broke out, First Lieutenant Frank Newcomb was in command of the USRC "Hudson", which then entered the war as a U.S. Navy auxiliary. "Hudson" had been retrofitted with two six-pounders and a small machine gun, but was more of a tugboat than a combat vessel.

On May 11, 1898, in one of the first actions off the coast of Cuba, Captain Frank Newcomb distinguished himself and his ship in the Battle of Cardenas. The U.S. Navy torpedo boat USS "Winslow" and the USRC "Hudson" had been shelling Spanish positions. "Winslow" had been hit multiple times. Half her complement was dead and her Captain gravely wounded.

Newcomb ordered "Hudson" to tow "Winslow" out of harms way. Under heavy fire, she did just that, despite nearly floundering on shoals trying to fast a rope to Hudson. Without a doubt, Newcomb's actions saved USS "Winslow" from destruction and possible capture.

Three members of "Winslow" 's crew received Medals of Honor for their actions. Because of the Revenue Cutter Service's status at the time, President William McKinley felt that Newcomb could not be nominated for a Medal of Honor as he was a Revenue Cutter Service officer. Instead, Congress instructed that a special Gold Medal be struck for First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb on May 3, 1900 in Public Law 31 Stat. 717. It was the only such medal struck during the Spanish-American War. At the time, it was thought to be an honor equivalent to the Medal of Honor.

Commodore Newcomb died in Los Angeles, California. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his wife, Rose Prioleau Newcomb.

The United States Navy destroyer USS "Newcomb" (DD-586 was named in his honor.

External links

* [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/fhnewcomb.htm Unofficial Arlington Cemetery page]