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This Memorial Day the strong Irish presence among Medal of Honor recipients remembered

Irish heroes lead all foreign-born recipients for America's highest honor

JAMES O'SHEA,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Sunday, May 27, 2012, 7:04 AM

Updated Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 11:38 AM

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The Medal of Honor awarded to those who "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."

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Some modern day recipients are: John King, U.S. Navy, from Ballinrobe, County Mayo, double recipient in 1901 & 1909; Pvt. John Joseph Kelly, Chicago, Ill., received both the Army & Navy Medal of Honor in WWI; Col. William J.(Wild Bill) Donovan, member of New York’s Fighting 69th in WWI; Audie Murphy, who was turned down by the Marines and the Navy as he was only 5’5 and weighed 112 lbs. The Army accepted him in June,1942, and he became WW II”s most decorated hero; Fr. Timothy O’Callahan, who was not only the first Catholic Chaplain to receive the Medal of Honor, but the first of any faith to be so recognized.

For his gallant leadership and fighting spirit, O’Hare Airport in Chicago was named for Lt. Commander Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare, U.S. Navy fighter pilot. Another well-known facility, McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey is named after Medal of Honor recipient, Thomas B. McGuire, a WWII ace pilot who shot down 38 enemy planes. One of Vietnam’s first recipients was Captain Roger Hugh Donlon, U.S. Special Forces, from Saugerties, N.Y. Another Vietnam recipient was New York Irish-American Robert Emmet O’Malley.

In all, 245 men were awarded the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War. Among them were: Major Patrick Brady, Major Kern Dunagan, Captain Robert F. Foley, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas G. Kelley, Spc. Thomas McMahon, Lance Corp. Thomas Noonan, Pvt. Daniel Shea and Petty Officer Michael Thornton.

There have been millions of Irish and Irish-Americans who have served in our military with distinction. The latest being Col. James Hickey, son of Irish immigrants, a native of Chicago, Ill., who commanded the 1st Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, which captured Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

It would be impossible to calculate an exact number of Irish-Americans on the Medal of Honor list. However, Irish surnames are plentiful. There are 21 Murphys, 20 Kellys(or Kelley), and 8 Sullivans. Names beginning with the Irish prefix “Mc” spill onto multiple pages.

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eiriamach | May 28, 2012, 01:40 PM EDT

I'll second Searlit's comment. This is a day to remember those who died in our nation's too many wars. If they could speak to us, they'd likely use the words of Major John McRae's 1915 poem to remind us of what we should be doing with our very costly freedom: "To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high. / If ye break faith with us who die / We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields." McRae was a Canadian army MD.

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Springfield9 | May 28, 2012, 11:44 AM EDT

The U.S. Army is the custodian of all MOH records. Every citation is online and can be called up. Over the years, the stories of why it was awarded have grown more horrible. Marine Dan Daily was like a storm in open battle. On the other hand, Douglas MC Arthur (whom I'm glad to say was NOT Irsh in any way) was handed one by FDR over a whiskey (in the Oval Office). "Fightin' Doug" got his for making the Phillipino people happier (in general).

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Ajreaper | May 28, 2012, 11:34 AM EDT

Bythebay, still very comfortable playing the fool I see. There are Irish finger prints through out American history, Irish labor built the early infrastructure of the U.S., the democratic party and the Catholic church established themselves in large part due to Irish immigrants to the U.S. It should come to no one's surprise there are so many Irish and Irish- Americans who have been awarded the MOH. LT. Michael Murphy, U.S. Navy SEAL, Afghanistan should be mentioned among the other heros. Bythebay- America can get out of any war by just up and leaving and we accept criticism because we know it's the price of taking action. Unlike like many countries in the world who choose to do nothing on the world stage as a matter of policy and never hear an unkind word America is damned if it does and damned if it does not. The price of trying is sometimes failure and always results in criticism- but trying is still the best course of action.

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RthrBHistCorr | May 28, 2012, 08:43 AM EDT

"No this isn't Irish history, it's American history. It's not an Irish presence. Ireland had nothing to do with it." I suggst you read a little histy "Bythebay" before you get on your soapbox, you would sound less silly. How do you say "Ireland has nothing to do with it"? 253 receipients of the Medal Of Honor list their place of birth ar Ireland. Ireland has memorials to Thomas Francis Meagher and the 69th so someone in Ireland thinks the Irish had something "to do with it". Confederate General Alexander observed of the Union Army "Their cavalry is numerous but can't ride and their infantry, except the Irish, can't fight". The history of both countries is deeply entwinded. If it wasn't for the Irish, America would be whistling "Dixie" and if it wasn't for the funding of Irish Americans the Irish would still be singing "God Save the Queen"

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Searlit | May 27, 2012, 06:43 PM EDT

I feel sorrow for all those killed or injured in wars on this day.

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Bythebay | May 27, 2012, 05:04 PM EDT

No this isn't Irish history, it's American history. It's not an Irish presence. Ireland had nothing to do with it.

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Bythebay | May 27, 2012, 05:02 PM EDT

The US certainly has the market cornered as far as involvment in wars is concerned. And no Ireland feels no patriotism for the US's innumerable wars including those you now can't get out of.

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Murph46 | May 27, 2012, 04:04 PM EDT

Here is a heartfelt thanks to all who have served from an old vet!

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Searlit | May 27, 2012, 03:50 PM EDT

Wars result from people living from their egocentric point of view, thinking they are somehow better than other fellow human beings. Feeling superior leads people to think they can and should impose their will on those they deem less worthy. At the least the teacher you're typing about makes the connection between violence begetting more violence, bogsidebunny. (not funny)

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antoman | May 27, 2012, 10:11 AM EDT

On his visit to Ireland President Kennedy presented the State with the battle flag of the Fighting 69th. It was carried at the Battle of Fredericksburg. It resides in Leinster House Dublin and is held and treated with the up most respect.

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bogsidebunny | May 27, 2012, 07:48 AM EDT

Sorry to say the people on the ground, or shall I say the auld sod loath the American "exceptionalism". Of course wanting to and striving to be the best is abhorant to a culture weaned on Marxist Socialism and the handouts it provides. Unfortunately, it does, however, succeed in creating a culture of mindless drones who spout 1984 Orwellian tripe. A teacher being interviewed on RTE radio recently said: "Wars are the direct result of classroom corporal punishment." I laughed so hard Me Barry's tea flew out my nose. The sad part is she really belives the nonsense. God Bless America and a heart felt "THANKS" on the Memorial day to all those who have sacrificed to keep America strong and free. Too bad the feeling here isn't nearly as patriotic.

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