Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: John Ortega, Civil War recipient of Medal of Honor

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.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Cipriano Andrade, Mexican Rear Admiral in the Civil War

                                                     

Cipriano Andrade, born September 1, 1840 in Tampico, Mexico served in the US Navy for 40 years and attained the rank of Rear Admiral.  During the Civil War, he served aboard the USS Lancaster from August 1861 to October 1863.  He served aboard the USS Pontiac from December 1863 to June 1865.  He served as chief engineer on the USS Ashuelot from September 1, 1881 to November 1881.

He was changed to Captain on March 3, 1899 and in July 1901, he was transferred to the retired list of the Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral.

He passed away in June 1911 in Connecticut. 

Celebrating Black History Month: William Carney, first African-American awarded Medal of Honor

William Harvey Carney, born February 29, 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia, is the first African-American to be awarded the Medal of Honor.  During the Battle of Fort Wagner in March 1863, while serving in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, their color guard was killed.  Carney retrieved the U.S. flag, keeping it from hitting the ground.  He continued  to march forward with it despite being shot in the arm and the leg.

He received an honorable discharge in June 1864 due to becoming disabled from his wounds.  Since his heroic actions preceded those of other medal honorees, he is considered to be the first black man to receive the Medal of Honor, which he received in May 1900, thirty seven years after his actions.

He passed away in 1908.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky born 1840

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born May 7, 1840 in Votkinsk which was in what is Russia today.  It's generally accepted that he was gay, in an era and country where such behavior wasn't accepted.  The Soviets even tried to portray him as heterosexual.  But he was a hottie! 

His "Nutcracker Suite", which he wasn't too fond of and didn't enjoy immediate success, is now one of his most beloved pieces.  It is a staple of ballet companies during the Christmas season.