Cyrus Hayden

Cyrus Freeman Hayden (September 1839 – possibly February 25, 1912) was a United States Navy sailor received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean Expedition on June 11, 1871. While serving as the color bearer for the USS Colorado's crew and Marines, Hayden planted the American Flag on the ramparts under heavy enemy fire.

Cyrus Freeman Hayden
aboard USS Colorado in 1871 with a sujagi: (right to left) Cpl Charles Brown, Pvt Hugh Purvis, possibly Cyrus Hayden. Photograph by Felice Beato
Born	September 1839 York, Maine
Died	possibly February 25, 1912 (aged 72) Presque Isle, Maine
Place of burial	Fairmount Cemetery Section C, Lot 42
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Rank	Carpenter
Unit	USS Colorado
Battles / wars	Korean Expedition
Awards	Medal of Honor

Hayden enlisted in the Navy from Boston, Massachusetts in 1869. While some list Hayden's death as occurring in 1912, there is no evidence "that the man buried in Maine was a veteran."^[1]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Carpenter, U.S. Navy. Born: 1843, York, Maine Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.: 169, February 8, 1872.^[2]

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado during the attack and capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Serving as color bearer of the battalion, Hayden planted his flag on the ramparts of the citadel and protected it under a heavy fire from the enemy.^[3]

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• General Orders and Circulars Issued by the Navy Department
• Cyrus Hayden at Find a Grave

• Biography portal