John McLennon (c. 1855–May 14, 1888) was a United States Army musician who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of the Big Hole in Montana in 1877.[1]
John McLennon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1855 Fort Belknap, Texas |
| Died | 1888 (aged 32–33) Rock Springs, Wyoming |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1871–1888 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Battles / wars | Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
editMcLennon's parents were Michael and Mary (Ryan). His father entered the US military and McLennon was born Fort Belknap, Texas in about 1855.[2] His family had a three-generation-long connection with the 7th Infantry. His father Michael also served in Company A for at least 14 years, through the American Civil War. Two of his nephews also served with the 7th Infantry in the Spanish–American War.[3] One of McLennon's brothers-in-law, Patrick Rogan, served with him in Company A and was also awarded a Medal of Honor for their actions at the Battle of the Big Hole. Another of his sisters married Mildon Wilson, another United States Army soldier from the 7th Infantry who also secured the medal of Honor for his activity during the Indian Wars.[3][4]
In September 1871, McLennon enlisted in the Army at Fort Ellis, Montana Territory. He never reached a height over five feet. Later, McLennon became a sergeant and stayed with the infantry until he died from a kidney inflammation on May 14, 1888, participating in many battles against Indians during his career. He died of "acute nephritis".[3] He never married and is buried in Rock Springs, Wyoming, beside his relative Rogan.
Medal of Honor citation
editRank and organization: Musician, Company A, 7th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Big Hole, Mont., 9 August 1877. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Fort Belknap, Tex. Date of issue: 2 December 1878.
Citation:
Gallantry in action.[5]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Tribune Staff. "125 Montana Newsmakers: Medal of Honor Winners". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
- ^ "John McLennon". Texas State Cemetery. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
- ^ a b c "Musician John McLennon". Friends of Nez Perce Battlefields. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "John McLennon". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients Indian War Campaigns". US Army Center of Military History. December 3, 2010. Archived from the original on August 3, 2013. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
External links
edit- Don Morfe (April 15, 2004). "John McLennon". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved August 27, 2011.