John Ortega, born in Spain in 1840, immigrated to the United States and became a resident of Pennsylvania. He joined the Navy in 1863 and was assigned to the USS Saratoga. In January 1864, Gideon Welles, the Secretary of the US Navy, order the USS Saratoga and its commander George Colvocoresses to participate in the Union blockade of Charleston, South Carolina.
Ortega participated in several raids from landing parties to capture prisoners, and the destruction of ammunition, supplies, buildings, and bridges.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service and promoted to acting master's mate in August 1864.
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