John O'Neal (Medal of Honor)
John O'Neal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | c. 1841 Ireland |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Rank | Boatswain's Mate |
| Unit | USS Kansas |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John O'Neal (c. 1841—after 1872) was an Irish-born United States Navy sailor who received the Medal of Honor for heroism on April 12, 1872. He was stationed aboard the USS Kansas as a Boatswain's Mate when, on April 12, 1872, several members of the crew including the expedition commander were drowning near Greytown, Nicaragua.
The men who drowned were[1]
Commander Alexander Foster Crosman, commanding expedition, his body not recovered
Master Alfred Foree, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered
Cockswain William Walker, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered
Ordinary Seaman Emil Birgfield, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered
Ordinary Seaman William Arkwright, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered
Ordinary Seaman James Eley, attached to the Kansas, his body recovered on April 13, 1872
Medal of Honor citation
Serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas, O'Neal displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by personal exertion prevented greater loss of life.[2]
See also
References
- ^ "Reports of the Explorations and Surveys for the Location of a Ship Canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Nicaragua, 1872-1873". Google Books.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on May 14, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.