Edward Orrick McDonnell (November 13, 1891 – January 6, 1960) was an American vice admiral and Medal of Honor recipient.
Edward Orrick McDonnell | |
|---|---|
 United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient | |
| Born | November 13, 1891 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | January 6, 1960 (aged 68) Bolivia, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Buried | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1912–1951 |
| Rank | Vice admiral |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Veracruz World War I World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
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McDonnell was born on 13 November 1891 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912.[1] He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.[2][3][4]
On 10 March 1919 Lieutenant Commander McDonnell flew a British-built Sopwith Camel off an overhauled gun turret on the USS Texas and thus became the first man to fly an airplane off a battleship.[5]
Admiral McDonnell died in the 1960 bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511 in Bolivia, North Carolina.[6] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
editRank and organization: Ensign Organization: U.S. Navy Born:13 November 1891, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland Date of issue: 12/04/1915
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Posted on the roof of the Terminal Hotel and landing, Ens. McDonnell established a signal station there day and night, maintaining communication between troops and ships. At this exposed post he was continually under fire. One man was killed and 3 wounded at his side during the 2 days' fighting. He showed extraordinary heroism and striking courage and maintained his station in the highest degree of efficiency. All signals got through, largely due to his heroic devotion to duty.[7]
Namesake
editThe frigate USS Edward McDonnell was named in his memory.
See also
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References
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Edward O. McDonnell". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ^ "Edward Orrick McDonnell". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ^ "BATTLESHIP TEXAS BB35". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
- ^ "Ens Edward McDonnell Archives". fireballnotes.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- ^ "Ensign McDonnell, Edward Orrick". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-16.