Joseph Matthews (1849 - November 11, 1912) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery. Biography Matthews was born 1849 in Malta. After immigrating to the United States, he joined the navy. He was stationed aboard the as captain of the top when, on February 13, 1879, he risked his life to cut the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains in a heavy gale. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor on October 18, 1884. He died on November 11, 1912, and he is buried in Palmetto Cemetery, Brunswick, Georgia. Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1849, Malta. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884. Citation: For courageous conduct in going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains. See also List of Medal of Honor recipients during peacetime References External links 1849 births 1912 deaths United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients United States Navy sailors People from Pennsylvania Foreign-born Medal of Honor recipients Burials in Georgia (U.S. state) Non-combat recipients of the Medal of Honor