1903 Navy Good Conduct medal with 2 bars

[army historian]

I probably paid way too much for this medal (but I always wanted an early NGC). This 1903 NGC with two bar to John Francis Flynn CMAA (1866-1917).

Medal engraved "C.S.C. / No.12161 / JOHN / F. FLYNN / U.S.S. / HULL / SEPT. 11-1903." With bars CONSTELLATION (pinback with open catch type from 1908) and SALEM (snap back hinged type from 1912). Had to enlist no later than Sept. 1899 (possibly earlier - was 32 in 1899). born Sept 1866.

The U.S.S. Hull was DD-7, a Bainbridge Class destroyer commissioned in May of 1903. Flynn was almost certainly a plank owner as part of the original crew. "The "Constellation," is an 1854 sail sloop of war (last built), was at the time Flynn was aboard, a training ship at Newport, Rhode Island. The "Salem," CL-3, was a scout cruiser from 1908 until 1921.

I know of 4 ships he served on:

1900 USS Sylph, US Naval Forces, Military and Naval Forces (this was a Presidential yacht from the late 19th century through to the early 1920s PY-5.

1903 USS Hull (DD-7)

c. 1908 USS Constellation Sail Sloop (Training Ship)

1910 USS Salem (CL-3), Scout Cruiser No. 3 - commissioned 1 August 1908.

Died 28 Nov. 1917 (WW1) in Portsmouth, Rockingham, New Hampshire as Chief Master at Arms. Last enlistment date 13 Jan. 1916. Age at death 51. Died on duty - but at home.

[Rogi]

Wow, what a fantastic piece and research

Fantastic addition to the collection Captain Albert

Edited December 27, 2013 by Rogi

[IrishGunner]

For a Navy medal, this one is way cool.

USS Hull... If I'm guessing correct, he would've sailed on the Hull with the Great White Fleet to South America...

Would he have qualified for a WWI Victory Medal?

[army historian]

Thanks, he was on the Hull about (commissioning 1903) to some time before 1908. So I am not sure yet - I have not ordered his records from the US National Archives yet, Cost $70.00. Yes he was entitle to the World War 1 Victory Medal (No bar). I like the bar to the USS Constellation (ship of 1854) still around and on display today. George

[IrishGunner]

I like the bar to the USS Constellation (ship of 1854) still around and on display today. George

Yes, that is indeed a nice bar. Constellation is only about 50 minutes away from me up the Bay in Baltimore.

[army historian]

Thanks Irishgunner - Yes I know about the Constellation (neat ship). George

[Paul R]

God!! You keep finding these winners. Envious...

[army historian]

Thanks Paul, yes they are nice - but expensive, This will be one of the last for a while, except a 1921 - 2 bar, already brought. George

[Ulsterman]

Outstanding research! I believe he is listed in the New Hampshire WW1 book and probably the Portsmouth newspapers. He was owed a New Hampshire state WW1 medal.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Ulsterman

[army historian]

Irisgunner - I am not sure what the New Hampshire WW1 book is. I did find Soldiers of the Great War *3 volumes). Also thanks for the heads up on the New Hampshire WW1 medal. I will let you know what I find. George