The following is a list of Irish-American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who were awarded the American military's highest decoration — the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is bestowed "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force." The medal is awarded by the President of the United States on behalf of the Congress.
Of the 3,464 Medals of Honor awarded as of September 17, 2009,[1] an estimated 2,021 (58%) have been awarded to Irish-American recipients, more than twice the number awarded any other ethnic group;[2][3] 257 Irish-born Americans have received the Medal of Honor[4][5] which represents more than half of foreign-born MOH recipients.[6] A monument to these Irish-born Medal of Honor recipients is located at Valley Forge's Medal of Honor Grove;[7] erected by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.[8] The first Irish American to receive the Medal was Michael Madden, who received it for his actions in the American Civil War (Note that the earliest action for which the Medal of Honor was awarded was to Irish American U.S. Army Assistant Surgeon Bernard J.D. Irwin for the engagement at Apache Pass, February 1861. The award was made three decades after the event and after Madden's award).[9]
Medal of Honor
editThe Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[10]
Civil War
edit This along with the *, indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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Christopher C. Bruton | Army | Captain | Company C, 22nd New York Cavalry | Waynesboro, Virginia | March 2, 1865 | Awarded March 26, 1865. Citation: Capture of Gen. Early's headquarters flag. Confederate national standard. |
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James Allen | Army | Private | South Mountain, Maryland | September 14, 1862 | Single-handed and slightly wounded he accosted a squad of 14 Confederate soldiers bearing the colors of the 16th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.). | |
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Robert Anderson | Navy | Quartermaster | On board USS Crusader and USS Keokuk | 1863 | Served on board USS Crusader and USS Keokuk during various actions of those vessels. | |
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Augustus Barry | Army | Sergeant Major | Unknown | 1863 – 1865 | Gallantry in various actions during the rebellion.[11] | |
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David L. Bass | Navy | Seaman | Fort Fisher, North Carolina | January 15, 1865 | On board USS Minnesota in action during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. | |
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William R. D. Blackwood | Army | Surgeon | Petersburg, Virginia | April 2, 1865 | Removed severely wounded officers and soldiers from the field while under a heavy fire from the enemy, exposing himself beyond the call of duty, thus furnishing an example of most distinguished gallantry. | |
John Gregory Bourke | Army | Private | Company E, 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863 | Gallantry in action.[12] | |
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James Brady | Army | Private | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | Capture of flag[11] | |
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Felix Brannigan | Army | Private | Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 2, 1863 | Volunteered on a dangerous service and brought in valuable information. | |
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John Brosnan | Army | Sergeant | Company E, 164th New York Infantry | Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | Rescued a wounded comrade who lay exposed to the enemy's fire, receiving a severe wound in the effort.[11] |
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Denis Buckley | Army | Private | Battle of Peachtree Creek, Ga. | Jul 20, 1864 | Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (C.S.A.).[11] | |
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John C. Buckley | Army | Sergeant | Battle of Vicksburg, Miss. | May 22, 1863 | Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."[11] | |
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E. Michael Burk | Army | Private | Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | Capture of flag, seizing it as his regiment advanced over the enemy's works. He received a bullet wound in the chest while capturing flag.[11] | |
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Thomas Burk | Army | Sergeant | Battle of Wilderness | May 6, 1864 | At the risk of his own life went back while the rebels were still firing and, finding Col. Wheelock unable to move, alone and unaided, carried him off the field of battle.[11] | |
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Daniel W. Burke | Army | First Sergeant | Battle of Shepherdstown, Virginia | Sep 20, 1862 | Voluntarily attempted to spike a gun in the face of the enemy.[11] | |
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John H. Callahan | Army | Private | Battle of Fort Blakely, Ala. | Apr 9, 1865 | Capture of flag. | |
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William Campbell | Army | Private | Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
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Hugh Carey | Army | Sergeant | 82nd New York Infantry | Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. | Jul 2, 1863 | Captured the flag of the 7th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.), being twice wounded in the effort.[13] |
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Patrick Colbert | Navy | Coxswain | Aboard USS Commodore Hull | October 31, 1864 | Served on board USS Commodore Hull at the capture of Plymouth, 31 October 1864[11] | |
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Charles H. T. Collis | Army | Colonel | Petersburg, Virginia | December 13, 1862 | Gallantly led his regiment in battle at a critical moment. | |
Martin T. Conboy | Army | Second Lieutenant | Williamsburg, Virginia | May 5, 1862 | Battle of Williamsburg Took command of the company in action, the captain having been wounded, the other commissioned officers being absent, and handled it with skill and bravery | ||
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Dennis Conlan | Navy | Seaman | Aboard USS Agawam, First Battle of Fort Fisher | December 23, 1864 | Conlan served on board USS Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 23 December 1864.[11] | |
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Thomas Connor | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Fort Fisher, North Carolina | January 15, 1865 | On board USS Minnesota, in action during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. | |
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James Connors | Army | Private | Battle of Fisher's Hill, Virginia | September 22, 1864 | Capture of enemy flag. | |
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John L. M. Cooper | Navy | Coxswain | Mobile Bay, Alabama Mobile, Alabama |
August 5, 1864 April 26, 1865 |
Double MOH recipient | |
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John Corcoran | Army | Private | Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | Was one of a detachment of 20 picked artillerymen who voluntarily accompanied an infantry assaulting party, and who turned upon the enemy the guns captured in the assault.[14] | |
Thomas E. Corcoran | Navy | Landman | Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 27, 1863 | Served on board USS Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking | ||
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John Creed | Army | Private | Battle of Fisher's Hill, Virginia | September 22, 1864 | Capture of the enemy flag. | |
Cornelius Cronin | Navy | Chief Quartermaster | Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | August 5, 1864 | On board USS Richmond in action at Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864[11] | ||
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Richard J. Curran | Army | Assistant Surgeon | Antietam, Maryland | September 17, 1862 | Voluntarily exposed himself to great danger by going to the fighting line there succoring the wounded and helpless and conducting them to the field hospital. | |
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Michael Dougherty | Army | Private | Jefferson, Virginia | Oct 12, 1863 | At the head of a detachment of his company dashed across an open field, exposed to a deadly fire from the enemy, and succeeded in dislodging them from an unoccupied house, which he and his comrades defended for several hours against repeated attacks, thus preventing the enemy from flanking the position of the Union forces. | |
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Patrick Dougherty | Navy | Landsman | Aboard USS Lackawanna, Battle of Mobile Bay | August 5, 1864 | As a landsman on board USS Lackawanna, Dougherty acted gallantly without orders when the powder box at his gun was disabled under the heavy enemy fire, and maintained a supply of powder throughout the prolonged action. Dougherty also aided in the attacks on Fort Morgan and in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee. | |
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Edmund English | Army | First Sergeant | Wilderness, Virginia | May 6, 1864 | During a rout and while under orders to retreat seized the colors, rallied the men, and drove the enemy back. | |
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Thomas T. Fallon | Army | Private | Williamsburg, Virginia | May 1862 and Jun 1864 | At Williamsburg, Virginia, assisted in driving rebel skirmishers to their main line. Participated in action, at Fair Oaks, Virginia, though excused from duty because of disability. In a charge with his company at Big Shanty, Georgia, was the first man on the enemy's works.[6] | |
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Thomas Fitzpatrick | Navy | Coxswain | Aboard USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | August 5, 1864 | As captain of the No. 1 gun on board the flagship USS Hartford, during action against rebel gunboats, the ram Tennessee and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. | |
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Augustin Flanagan | Army | Sergeant | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | Gallantry in the charge on the enemy's works: rushing forward with the colors and calling upon the men to follow him; was severely wounded. | |
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James Flannigan | Army | Private | Nolensville, Tenn. | Feb 15, 1863 | Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train. | |
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Christopher Flynn | Army | Corporal | 14th Connecticut Infantry | Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. | Jul 3, 1863 | Capture of flag of 52d North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.).[13] |
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James E. Flynn | Army | Sergeant | Battle of Vicksburg, Miss. | May 22, 1863 | Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
Michael C. Horgan | Navy | Landman | Plymouth, North Carolina | October 31, 1864 | "[D]istinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under a devastating fire from enemy musketry." | ||
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Samuel B. Horne | Army | Captain | Fort Harrison, Virginia | September 29, 1864 | While acting as an aide and carrying an important message, was severely wounded and his horse killed but delivered the order and rejoined his general. | |
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Michael Hudson | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Mobile Bay, Alabama | August 5, 1864 | On board USS Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864 | |
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Thomas R. Kerr | Army | Captain | Moorefield, West Virginia | August 7, 1864 | After being most desperately wounded, he captured the colors of the 8th Virginia Cavalry (C.S.A.). | |
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Edward M. Knox | Army | Second Lieutenant | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 2, 1863 | Held his ground with the battery after the other batteries had fallen back until compelled to draw his piece off by hand; he was severely wounded.[15] | |
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Bartlett Laffey | Navy | Seaman | Yazoo City, Mississippi | March 5, 1864 | Served on board USS Marmora off Yazoo City, Mississippi, 5 March 1864. Landed ashore with his howitzer gun and crew in the midst of battle and contributed to the turning back of the enemy. | |
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Hugh Logan | Navy | Captain of the Forecastle | Mobile Bay, Alabama | December 30, 1862 | On board USS Rhode Island which was engaged in rescuing men from the stricken Monitor in Mobile Bay, on 30 December 1862. | |
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John Lonergan | Army | Captain | 13th Vermont Infantry | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | July 2, 1863 | Gallantry in the recapture of four guns and the capture of two additional guns from the enemy; also the capture of a number of prisoners.[13] |
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Michael Madden | Army | Private | Mason's Island, Maryland | September 3, 1861 | Assisted a wounded comrade to the riverbank and, under heavy fire of the enemy, swam with him across a branch of the Potomac to the Union lines. | |
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Richard C. Mangam | Army | Private | Battle of Hatcher's Run, Virginia | April 2, 1865 | Capture of flag of 8th Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.) | |
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James Martin II | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Mobile Bay, Alabama | August 5, 1864 | Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Martin fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan. | |
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Peter McAdams | Army | Corporal | Salem Heights, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | Went 250 yards in front of his regiment toward the position of the enemy and under fire brought within the lines a wounded and unconscious comrade.[16] | |
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Charles McAnally | Army | Second Lieutenant | Spotsylvania County, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | In a hand-to-hand encounter with the enemy captured a flag, was wounded in the act, but continued on duty until he received a second wound. | |
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Patrick H. McEnroe | Army | Sergeant | Winchester, Virginia | September 19, 1864 | Capture of colors of 36th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.). | |
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Martin McHugh | Navy | Seaman | Aboard USS Cincinnati, Operations against Vicksburg | May 27, 1863 | Serving on board USS Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863.[17] | |
Hugh Molloy | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Harrisonburg, Louisiana | March 2, 1864 | Served on board USS Fort Hindman during the engagement near Harrisonburg, Louisiana, 2 March 1864. | ||
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Patrick Monaghan | Army | Corporal | Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | Recapture of colors of 7th New York Heavy Artillery. | |
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John G. Morrison | Navy | Coxswain | On board USS Carondelet | July 15, 1862 | Serving as coxswain on board USS Carondelet, Morrison was commended for meritorious conduct in general and especially for his heroic conduct and his inspiring example to the crew in the engagement with the rebel ram Arkansas, Yazoo River, 15 July 1862. | |
St. Clair A. Mulholland | Army | Major | Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 4–5, 1863 | In command of the picket line held the enemy in check all night to cover the retreat of the Army. | ||
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Dennis Murphy | Army | Sergeant | Corinth, Mississippi | October 3, 1862 | Although wounded three times, carried the colors throughout the conflict. | |
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Michael C. Murphy | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Battle of North Anna, Virginia | May 24, 1864 | This officer, commanding the regiment, kept it on the field exposed to the fire of the enemy for three hours without being able to fire one shot in return because of the ammunition being exhausted. | |
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Christopher Nugent | Marine Corps | Sergeant | On board USS Fort Henry | June 15, 1863 | For his actions while serving on board USS Fort Henry, Crystal River, Florida, 15 June 1863. | |
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James R. O'Beirne | Army | Captain | Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia | May 31-June 1, 1862 | Gallantly maintained the line of battle until ordered to fall back. | |
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Henry D. O'Brien | Army | Corporal | Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. | Jul 3, 1863 | Taking up the colors where they had fallen, he rushed ahead of his regiment, close to the muzzles of the enemy's guns, and engaged in the desperate struggle in which the enemy was defeated, and though severely wounded, he held the colors until wounded a second time. | |
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Oliver O'Brien | Navy | Coxswain | Aboard the USS John Adams | November 28, 1864 | Served as coxswain on board the U.S. Sloop John Adams, Sullvan's Island Channel, 28 November 1864. Taking part in the boarding of the blockade runner Beatrice while under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie, O'Brien, who was in charge of one of the boarding launches, carried out his duties with prompt and energetic conduct. This action resulted in the firing of the Beatrice and the capture of a quantity of supplies from her. | |
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Peter O'Brien | Army | Private | Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia | Mar 2, 1865 | Capture of flag and of a Confederate officer with his horse and equipment | |
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Thomas O'Connell | Navy | Coal Heaver | Aboard the USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | On board the flagship USS Hartford, during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. | |
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Timothy O'Connor | Army | Private | Unknown | Unknown | Date and place of act not of record in War Department. | |
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John O'Dea | Army | Private | Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party" | |
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Menomen O'Donnell | Army | First Lieutenant | Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Fort DeRussey, La. | May 22, 1863 and Mar 14, 1864 | Voluntarily joined the color guard in the assault on the enemy's works when he saw indications of wavering and caused the colors of his regiment to be planted on the parapet. Voluntarily placed himself in the ranks of an assaulting column (being then on staff duty) and rode with it into the enemy's works, being the only mounted officer present, was twice wounded in battle. | |
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Timothy O'Donoghue | Navy | Seaman | Aboard USS Signal, Red River Campaign | May 5, 1864 | Served as boatswain's mate on board USS Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864. | |
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Stephen O'Neill | Army | Corporal | Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 1, 1863 | Took up the colors from the hands of the color bearer who had been shot down and bore them through the remainder of the battle. | |
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George C. Platt | Army | Private | Fairfield, Pennsylvania | July 3, 1863 | Seized the regimental flag upon the death of the standard bearer in a hand-to-hand fight and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy. | |
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Thomas Plunkett | Army | Sergeant | Fredericksburg, Virginia | December 11, 1862 | Seized the colors of his regiment, the color bearer having been shot down, and bore them to the front where both his arms were carried off by a shell. | |
James Quinlan | Army | Major | Savage's Station, Virginia | June 29, 1862 | Led his regiment on the enemy's battery, silenced the guns, held the position against overwhelming numbers, and covered the retreat of the 2d Army Corps. | ||
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John Rannahan | Marine Corps | Corporal | Fort Fisher, North Carolina | January 15, 1865 | On board USS Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. | |
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George Reynolds | Army | Private | Winchester, Virginia | September 19, 1864 | Capture of Virginia State flag. | |
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James S. Roantree | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Mobile Bay, Alabama | August 5, 1864 | On board USS Oneida during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. | |
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Peter J. Ryan | Army | Private | Winchester, Virginia | September 19, 1864 | With one companion, captured 14 Confederates in the severest part of the battle. | |
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George Schutt | Navy | Coxswain | St. Marks, Florida | March 5–6, 1865 | ||
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William J. Sewell | Army | Colonel | Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | For assuming command of the brigade, rallying the troops, and remaining in command though wounded.[6] | |
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William Smith | Navy | Quartermaster | On board USS Kearsarge | January 15, 1865 | Served as second quartermaster on board USS Kearsarge when she destroyed Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. | |
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James Sullivan | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | December 2, 1864 | On board USS Agawam as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 2 December 1864. | |
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John Sullivan | Navy | Seaman | USS Monticello | Jun 23, 1864 – Jun 25, 1864 | Served as seaman on board USS Monticello during the reconnaissance of the harbor and water defenses of Wilmington, North Carolina 23 to 25 June 1864. | |
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Timothy Sullivan | Navy | Coxswain | USS Louisville | Various | Served on board USS Louisville during various actions of that vessel. During the engagements of Louisville, Sullivan served as first captain of a 9-inch gun and throughout his period of service was "especially commended for his attention to duty, bravery, and coolness in action." | |
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John M. Tobin | Army | First Lieutenant | Malvern Hill, Virginia | July 1, 1862 | Voluntarily took command of the 9th Massachusetts while adjutant, bravely fighting from 3 p.m. until dusk, rallying and re-forming the regiment under fire; twice picked up the regimental flag, the color bearer having been shot down, and placed it in worthy hands. | |
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John Walsh | Army | Corporal | Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | October 19, 1864 | Recaptured the flag of the 15th New Jersey Infantry. | |
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Thomas M. Wells | Army | Chief Bugler | Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | October 19, 1864 | Capture of colors of 44th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.). | |
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Edward Welsh | Army | Private | Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
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James Welsh | Army | Private | Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | Bore off the regimental colors after the color sergeant had been wounded and the color corporal bearing the colors killed thereby saving the colors from capture.[14] | |
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Patrick H. White | Army | Captain | Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | Carried with others by hand a cannon up to and fired it through an embrasure of the enemy's works. |
Indian Wars
editThis indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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Richard Barrett | Army | First Sergeant | Company A, 1st U.S. Cavalry | Sycamore Canyon, Arizona | May 23, 1872 | Conspicuous gallantry in a charge upon the Tonto Apaches. |
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James J. Bell | Army | Private | Big Horn, Montana | July 9, 1876 | ||
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Thomas Boyne | Army | Sergeant | Company C, 9th U.S. Cavalry | Mimbres Mountains, N. Mex. and Cuchillo Negro River near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico | May 29, 1879 and Sep 27, 1879 | Bravery in action.[11] |
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Edward Branagan | Army | Private | Company F, 4th U.S. Cavalry | Red River, Texas | Sep 29, 1872 | "Gallantry in action." |
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James Brogan | Army | Sergeant | Company G, 6th U.S. Cavalry | Simon Valley, Arizona | Dec 14, 1877 | Engaged singlehanded 2 renegade Indians until his horse was shot under him and then pursued them so long as he was able. |
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James Brophy | Army | Private | Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry | Arizona | 1868 | Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians. |
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James Brown | Army | Sergeant | Company F, 5th U.S. Cavalry | Davidson Canyon near Camp Crittenden, Arizona | Aug 27, 1872 | In command of a detachment of 4 men defeated a superior force.[11] |
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Patrick J. Burke | Army | Farrier | Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry | Arizona | 1868 | Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.[11] |
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Richard Burke | Army | Private | Company G, 5th U.S. Infantry | Cedar Creek, etc., Montana | Oct 1876 – Jan 1877 | Gallantry in engagements.[11] |
Edmond Butler | Army | Captain | Company C, 5th U.S. Infantry | Wolf Mountains, Montana | January 8, 1877 | Most distinguished gallantry in action with hostile Indians.[11] | |
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Denis Byrne | Army | Sergeant | Company G, 5th U.S. Infantry | Cedar Creek, Montana | October 1876 – January 1877 | Gallantry in engagements.[11] |
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Thomas J. Callan | Army | Private | Company B, 7th US Cavalry | Little Bighorn, Montana | June 25–26, 1876 | Displayed conspicuously good conduct in assisting to drive away the Indians Surname misspelled "Callen" on citation |
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John Connor | Army | Corporal | Near Wichita River, Texas | July 12, 1870 | ||
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William Evans | Army | Private | Big Horn, Montana | July 9, 1876 | ||
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Daniel Farren | Army | Private | Arizona Territory | August – October 1868 | ||
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James Fegan | Army | Sergeant | Near Plum Creek, Kansas | March 1868 | ||
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John H. Foley | Army | Sergeant | Near Platte River, Nebraska | April 26, 1872 | ||
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Nicholas Foran | Army | Private | Arizona Territory | August – October 1868 | ||
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Patrick Golden | Army | Sergeant | Arizona Territory | August – October 1868 | ||
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Henry Hogan | Army | First Sergeant | Cedar Creek, Montana Bear Paw Mountains, Montana |
October 1876 – January 8, 1877 September 30, 1877 |
Double MOH recipient | |
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Bernard J. D. Irwin | Army | Assistant Surgeon | Apache Pass, Arizona | February 13–14, 1861 | ||
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John Keenan | Army | Private | Arizona Territory | August – October 1868 | ||
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Patrick J. Leonard | Army | Sergeant | Little Blue, Nebraska | May 15, 1870 | ||
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Patrick T. Leonard | Army | Corporal | Near Fort Hartsuff, Nebraska | April 26, 1876 | ||
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John McHugh | Army | Private | Company A, 5th U.S. Infantry | Cedar Creek, etc., Montana | Oct 21, 1876 – Jan 8, 1877 | "Gallantry in action" |
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William McNamara | Army | First Sergeant | Red River, Texas | Sep 29, 1872 | Company F, 4th US Cavalry | "Gallantry in action." |
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John Nihill | Army | Private | Whetstone Mountains, Arizona | July 13, 1872 | ||
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Richard J. Nolan | Army | Farrier | White Clay Creek, South Dakota | December 30, 1890 | ||
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Moses Orr | Army | Private | Winter of 1872/1873 | |||
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John F. O'Sullivan | Army | Private | Staked Plains, Texas | December 8, 1874 | ||
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William R. Parnell | Army | First Lieutenant | White Bird Canyon, Idaho | June 17, 1877 | ||
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Patrick Rogan | Army | Sergeant | Big Hole, Montana | August 9, 1877 | ||
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Edward Rooney | Army | Private | Company D, 5th US Infantry | Cedar Creek, etc., Montana | Oct 21, 1876 – Jan 8, 1877 | "Gallantry in action."[11] |
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David Ryan | Army | Private | Company G, 5th US Infantry | Cedar Creek, etc., Montana | Oct 21, 1876 – Jan 8, 1877 | "Gallantry in action." |
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Dennis Ryan | Army | First Sergeant | Company I, 6th US Cavalry | Gageby Creek, Indian Territory | Dec 2, 1874 | Courage while in command of a detachment. |
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Thomas Sullivan | Army | Private | Company E, 7th US Cavalry | Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota | Dec 29, 1890 | Conspicuous bravery in action against Indians concealed in a ravine.[6] |
Bernard Taylor | Army | Sergeant | Company A, 5th US Cavalry | Near Sunset Pass, Arizona | Nov 1, 1874 | Bravery in rescuing Lt. King, 5th U.S. Cavalry, from Indians. | |
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John Tracy | Army | Private | Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona | October 20, 1869 | Born as Henry G. Nabers |
Korean Expedition
editThis indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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John Coleman | Marine Corps | Private | On board USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | ||
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James Dougherty | Marine Corps | Private | Korea | June 11, 1871 | ||
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Patrick H. Grace | Navy | Chief Quartermaster | On board USS Benicia | June 10, 1871 – June 11, 1871 | ||
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Michael McNamara | Marine Corps | Private | On board USS Benicia | June 11, 1871 |
Spanish–American War
editThis indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Philippine-American War
edit This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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Bernard A. Byrne | Army | Captain | 6th U.S. Infantry | Bobong, Negros | July 19, 1899 | Rallied his men on the bridge after the line had been broken and pushed back.[11] |
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Cornelius J. Leahy* | Army | Private | Company A, 36th Infantry, U.S. Volunteers | Luzon, Philippines | September 3, 1899 | "Distinguished gallantry in action in driving off a superior force and with the assistance of 1 comrade brought from the field of action the bodies of 2 comrades, 1 killed and the other severely wounded, this while on a scout." |
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Thomas F. Prendergast | Marine Corps | Corporal | Luzon, Philippines | March 25, 1899 – March 29, 1899 and April 5, 1899 | "For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle" | |
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Patrick Shanahan | Navy | Chief Boatswain's Mate | Philippines | May 28, 1899 |
Boxer Rebellion
editThis indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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James Cooney | Marine Corps | Private | Tientsin, China | July 13, 1900 | ||
Daniel Daly | Marine Corps | Private | 15th Company of Marines | Peking, China | July 19, 1901 | Double MOH recipient | |
Alexander J. Foley | Marine Corps | Sergeant | near Tianjin, China | Jul 13, 1900 | "[For] distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct" | ||
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Martin Hunt | Marine Corps | Private | Beijing, China | June 20, 1900 – July 16, 1900 | ||
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Joseph Killackey | Navy | Landman | China | June 13, 1900 – June 22, 1900 |
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daniel Daly | Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant | 15th Company of Marines | near Fort Liberte, Haiti | October 24, 1916 | Double MOH recipient |
World War I
edit This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael A. Donaldson | Army | Sergeant | Sommerance-Landres-et-Saint-Georges Road, France | Oct 14, 1918 | Rescued six wounded men despite intense fire | ||
William J. Donovan | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | near Landres-et-Saint-Georges, France | Oct 14, 1918 – Oct 15, 1918 | Exposed himself to fire in order to lead and organize his men, remained with them after being wounded[18] | ||
Richard W. O'Neill | Army | Sergeant | on the Ourcq River, France | Jul 30, 1918 | Continued to lead an attack despite being repeatedly wounded[18] | ||
Michael J. Perkins* | Army | Private First Class | Belleu Bois, France | Oct 27, 1918 | Singly-handedly attacked and captured a pillbox[19] | ||
Joseph H. Thompson | Army | Major | Apremont, France | October 1, 1918 |
World War II
edit This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
—
|
Frank Burke | Army | First Lieutenant | Nuremberg, Germany | April 17, 1945 | Also known as Francis X. Burke.[6] | |
Daniel J. Callaghan* | Navy | Rear Admiral | Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Savo Island | November 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942 | [20] | ||
—
|
Robert Craig* | Army | Second Lieutenant | near Favoratta, Sicily | July 11, 1943 | [21] | |
—
|
Michael J. Daly | Army | First Lieutenant | Nuremberg, Germany | April 18, 1945 | ||
—
|
Charles E. Kelly | Army | Corporal | near Altavilla, Italy | September 13, 1943 | [22] | |
Joseph J. McCarthy | Marine Corps Reserve | Captain | 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division | Iwo Jima | February 21, 1945 | Risked his life to eliminate several enemy troops so his men could move forward | |
Thomas B. McGuire, Jr.* | Army Air Forces | Major | over Luzon, Philippine Islands | December 25, 1944 – December 26, 1944 | The second leading air ace in World War II before being killed in action in January 1945. McGuire Air Force Base is named for him.[6] | ||
Audie L. Murphy | Army | Second Lieutenant | near Holtzwihr, France | January 26, 1945 | Highest number of decorations for US combatant. | ||
—
|
William J. O'Brien* | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Saipan, Marianas Islands | June 20, 1944 – July 7, 1944 | ||
Joseph T. O'Callahan | Navy | Commander | near Kobe, Japan | March 19, 1945 | Chaplain aboard aircraft carrier USS Franklin. | ||
Edward H. O'Hare | Navy | Lieutenant | off Papua New Guinea | February 20, 1942 | O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was named in his memory. | ||
Richard H. O'Kane | Navy | Commander | Charles Shea (see the Wikipedia entry in his name | Philippine Islands | October 23, 1944 – October 24, 1944 | For submarine operations against two Japanese convoys.[23] | |
Kenneth A. Walsh | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | Solomon Islands area | August 15, 1943 and August 30, 1943 |
Korean War
edit This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas J. Hudner, Jr. | Navy | Lieutenant, Junior Grade | Fighter Squadron 32, attached to USS Leyte | Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Korea | December 4, 1950 | Risked his life to rescue a downed pilot | |
Raymond G. Murphy | USMCR | Second Lieutenant | Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) | Korea | February 3, 1953 | Although wounded he refused medical care to fight the enemy until all his men and casualties had been taken care of. | |
George H. O'Brien, Jr. | USMCR | Second Lieutenant | Company H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) | Korea | October 27, 1952 | Provided cover and care for wounded while his unit was attacking the enemy |
Vietnam War
editThis with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patrick H. Brady | Army | Major | Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam | nearJanuary 6, 1968 | Flew multiple missions against heavy fire to evacuate 51 wounded men[24] | ||
Roger H. C. Donlon | Army | Captain | Nam Dong, Republic of Vietnam | nearJuly 6, 1964 | Rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group to defeat an enemy force causing them to retreat leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades. | ||
—
|
Kern W. Dunagan | Army | Captain | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 13, 1969 | Although wounded he directed fire onto enemy positions and rescued several wounded soldiers | |
Robert F. Foley | Army | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Quan Dau Tieng,November 5, 1966 | Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions. | ||
Thomas G. Kelley | Navy | Lieutenant | Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 15, 1969 | Successfully relayed commands through one of his men until an enemy attack was silenced and the boats he was leading were able to move to safety | ||
James McCloughan | Army | Private First Class | United States Army | Battle of Nui Yon Hill, Vietnam | 1969 | He suffered wounds from shrapnel and small arms fire on three separate occasions, but refused medical evacuation to stay with his unit, and continued to brave enemy fire to rescue, treat, and defend wounded Americans, coming to the aid of his men and fighting the enemy, at one point knocking out an enemy RPG position with a grenade. In all, the Pentagon credits McCloughan with saving the lives of 10 members of his company.[25] | |
Thomas J. McMahon* | Army | Specialist Four | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 19, 1969 | While attempting to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire, he was able to carry two of the men to safety but was killed while trying to rescue the third. | ||
David H. McNerney | Army | First Sergeant | Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam | March 22, 1967 | Despite being wounded after his unit was attacked, he assumed command of the unit when the company commander was killed, organized the defense, and helped arrange a helicopter evacuation of the wounded. He refused his own medical evacuation and instead stayed with the company until a new commander arrived. | ||
Thomas P. Noonan, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam | near Vandergrift Combat Base,February 5, 1969 | Killed while attempting to rescue a wounded man | ||
Robert E. O'Malley | Marine Corps | Corporal | Company I, 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines | South Vietnam | near An Cu'ong 2,August 18, 1965 | Risked his life and led his men to repeatedly attack the enemy, assist another Marine unit that had inflicted heavy casualties and led his unit to a helicopter for evacuation. | |
Daniel J. Shea* | Army | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 14, 1969 | Killed by enemy gunfire after assisting in the defeat of an attacking enemy force | ||
Lance P. Sijan* | Air Force | Captain | North Vietnam | November 9, 1967 | For actions while as a prisoner of war | ||
Michael E. Thornton | Navy | Engineman Second Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | October 31, 1972 | Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape |
War in Afghanistan
edit This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael P. Murphy* | Navy | Lieutenant | SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 | Near Asadabad, Kunar Province | June 28, 2005 | Led a four-man reconnaissance team in a fight against superior numbers, exposed himself to hostile fire in order to call for help |
War in Iraq
editThis with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ross A. McGinnis* | Army | Specialist | Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division | Baghdad, Iraq | June 28, 2005 | McGinnis threw himself on enemy grenade to save his team. | |
Michael A. Monsoor* | Navy | Master at Arms Second Class | SEAL, Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3 | Ramadi, Iraq | June 28, 2005 | Monsoor threw himself on enemy grenade to save his team. |
Peacetime
editThis indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
—
|
William Ahern | Navy | Watertender | On board USS Puritan | July 1, 1897 | ||
—
|
Thomas Cahey | Navy | Seaman | On board USS Petrel | March 31, 1901 | ||
—
|
John J. Clausey | Navy | Chief Gunner's Mate | USS Bennington, San Diego, California | Jul 21, 1905 | For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship.[11] | |
—
|
John Costello | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | USS Hartford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Jul 16, 1876 | For rescuing from drowning a landsman of USS Hartford[11] | |
—
|
Thomas Cramen | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | On board USS Portsmouth | February 7, 1882 | ||
—
|
Frank W. Crilley | Navy | Chief Gunner's Mate | wreck site of USS F-4, off Honolulu, Hawaii | Apr 17, 1915 | For rescuing a fellow diver who had become tangled in the wreckage and trapped underwater[6][11] | |
—
|
Willie Cronan | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | USS Bennington, San Diego, California | Jul 21, 1905 | Bravery shown during ship's boiler explosion[11] | |
—
|
John Dempsey | Navy | Seaman | Shanghai, China | January 23, 1875 | ||
—
|
John Flannagan | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | Le Havre, France | October 26, 1878 | ||
—
|
Edward Floyd | Navy | Boilermaker | On board USS Iowa | January 25, 1905 | ||
—
|
Hugh King | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | On board USS Iroquois | September 7, 1871 | ||
John King | Navy | Watertender | On board USS Vicksburg On board USS Salem |
May 29, 1901 September 13, 1909 |
Double MOH recipient | ||
Patrick J. Kyle | Navy | Landman | Port Mahon, Menorca | March 13, 1879 | |||
—
|
John O'Neal | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | Greytown, Nicaragua | April 12, 1872 | ||
—
|
Patrick Regan | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Coquimbo, Chile | July 30, 1873 | ||
Patrick Reid | Navy | Chief Watertender | On board USS North Dakota | September 8, 1910 | |||
—
|
Thomas Smith | Navy | Seaman | Pará, Brazil | October 1, 1878 | ||
Thomas Stanton | Navy | Chief Machinist's Mate | On board USS North Dakota | September 8, 1910 | |||
—
|
James Thayer | Navy | Ship's Corporal | On board USS Constitution | November 16, 1879 | ||
—
|
Michael Thornton | Navy | Seaman | On board USS Leyden | August 26, 1881 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Medal of Honor. United States Navy. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
- ^ "America's Irish honor St. Patrick". The Miami News. Associated Press. March 17, 1987. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ Riehecky, Janet. Cultures of America: Irish Americans. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1995. (p. 68) ISBN 1854357832
- ^ United States Congress. Immigration reform: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, first session, on S. 358 ... and S. 448 ... March 3, 1989. Washington, DC: US Government Print Office, 1990. (p. 131)
- ^ O'Hanlon, Ray. The New Irish Americans. Niwot, Colorado: Roberts Rinehart Publishers, 1998. (p. 77) ISBN 1570982120
- ^ a b c d e f g Fox, Thomas. Hidden History of the Irish of New Jersey. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, 2011. (pp. 110–116) ISBN 1609490304
- ^ Barnes, John A. Irish-American Landmarks: A Traveler's Guide. 9th ed. New York: Gale Research, 1995. (p. 167) ISBN 0810396033
- ^ "Medal of Honor Grove". www.freedomsfoundation.org. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
- ^ "First Medal of Honor action – Feb 13, 1861". History.com. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
- ^ "A Brief History — The Medal of Honor". Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Hurley, Doran. "Medal of Honor Men of Irish Birth or Irish Ancestry in United States Army and Navy". The Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society. Vol. XXXII. New York: The Society, 1941. (pp. 57–73)
- ^ Limon, Jose E. Dancing With The Devil: Society And Cultural Poetics In Mexican-American South Texas. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1994. (p. 26) ISBN 0299142248
- ^ a b c Hanna, Charles. Gettysburg Medal of Honor Recipients. Springville, Utah: Bonneville Books, 2010. (pp. 49–50, 87–89, 173–174) ISBN 1599553023
- ^ a b Molloy, Scott. Irish Titan, Irish Toilers: Joseph Banigan and Nineteenth-century New England Labor. Lebanon, New Hampshire: University of New Hampshire Press, 2008. (p. 75) ISBN 1584656905
- ^ Bayor, Ronald H. and Timothy Meagher, eds. The New York Irish. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997. (pp. 186–187) ISBN 0801857643
- ^ Bruce, Susannah Ural. The Harp and the Eagle: Irish-American Volunteers and the Union Army, 1861–1865. New York: New York University Press, 2006. (p. 74) ISBN 081479940X
- ^ Moss, Tracy (April 20, 2012). "Civil War hero's grave unmarked no more". The News-Gazette. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ a b Willbanks, James H., ed. America's Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Civil War to Afghanistan. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2011. (pp. 85, 249) ISBN 159884394X
- ^ H. O'Connor, Thomas. South Boston, My Home Town: The History of an Ethnic Neighborhood. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1994. (p. 161) ISBN 1555531881
- ^ Garvey, John and Karen Hanning. Images of America: Irish San Francisco. Arcadia Publishing, 2008. (p. 66) ISBN 0738530492
- ^ "William Craig: Father Of War Hero Honored By Bridge". Toledo Blade. September 3, 1968. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ "Heroes Kelly, Childers Return; Bravery Recounted By Modest Infantryman". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. April 24, 1944. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ Tuohy, William. The Bravest Man: Richard O'Kane and the Amazing Submarine Adventures of the USS Tang. New York: Presidio Press, 2006. (p. 125) ISBN 089141889X
- ^ Keane, John F. Images of America: Irish Seattle. Arcadia Publishing, 2007. (p. 81) ISBN 0738548782
- ^ "Michigan Vietnam vet is Trump's 1st Medal of Honor recipient". Associated Press. 13 June 2017.
Further reading
edit- Griffin, William D. The Book of Irish Americans. New York: Times Books, 1990. ISBN 0812912640
- O'Donnell, Edward T. 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish-American History. New York: Broadway Books, 2002. ISBN 0767906861
External links
edit- McGrath, Larry (October–November 2004). "The Irish and the Medal of Honor". Irish-America Magazine. FSOS.com. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
- Medal of Honor Recipients (Irish Born)