John G. Cowell

Who was John G. Cowell?

John G. Cowell was an officer in the United States Navy during the War of 1812.

Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, Cowell entered the Navy as a master 21 January 1809. As acting lieutenant, Cowell was severely wounded, losing a leg, in the action on 28 March 1814 between USS Essex and HMS Phoebe and HMS Cherub off Valparaíso, Chile. Refusing to be carried below, Cowell cheered his companions on through the remainder of the action. He was carried on shore, and exhibited such gallantry and courage under severe pain until his death on 18 April that the people of Valparaíso honored him with a burial place in their principal church; a most unusual honor for a foreigner.

Two destroyers have been named USS Cowell for him.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.