Spanish-American War Medal of Honor Recipient, US Congressman. An 1889 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, he served in the United States Navy during the War with Spain as a Lieutenant. He was awarded the CMOH for his role as commander of the intentional sinking operation of the "USS Merrimac" at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, on June 2, 1898. His citation reads "Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications on shore, Lt. Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety". At the time of the action officers were not eligible for the Medal of Honor, and Lieutenant Hobson saw seven of his men receive the award for their part in the operations. He became eligible after a 1915 change in the law concerning the requirements of the Medal of Honor, and he was presented with his Medal by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 29, 1933. He had retired from the Navy in 1903, and was elected to Congress a few years later. He was elected to represent Alabama's 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1907 to 1915. In 1934 the United States Congress appointed him as a Naval Constructor, with the rank of Rear Admiral
Spanish-American War Medal of Honor Recipient, US Congressman. An 1889 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, he served in the United States Navy during the War with Spain as a Lieutenant. He was awarded the CMOH for his role as commander of the intentional sinking operation of the "USS Merrimac" at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, on June 2, 1898. His citation reads "Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications on shore, Lt. Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety". At the time of the action officers were not eligible for the Medal of Honor, and Lieutenant Hobson saw seven of his men receive the award for their part in the operations. He became eligible after a 1915 change in the law concerning the requirements of the Medal of Honor, and he was presented with his Medal by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 29, 1933. He had retired from the Navy in 1903, and was elected to Congress a few years later. He was elected to represent Alabama's 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1907 to 1915. In 1934 the United States Congress appointed him as a Naval Constructor, with the rank of Rear Admiral
Bio by: RPD2
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