Denis Murphy (Medal of Honor) facts for kids

Denis John Francis Murphy (June 28, 1830–June 19, 1901) was an American farmer and brave soldier. He is famous for receiving the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned it for his actions during the American Civil War, fighting for the Union Army.

Life Story of Denis Murphy

Denis Murphy was born in County Cork, Ireland. He later moved to the United States. He married Bridget McGinnis. Together, they owned a family farm in a place called Glenmore, near De Pere, Wisconsin.

After the Civil War, Denis was injured. His injuries made it hard for him to continue farming. So, he and his wife moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin. He passed away in Green Bay on June 19, 1901. Denis Murphy is buried in the Murphy Family Plot. This plot is at the Allouez Catholic Cemetery in Allouez, Wisconsin. His wife, parents, and many of his 11 children are also buried there. Many of Denis Murphy's family members still live in Wisconsin today. Others live in different parts of the United States.

Denis Murphy's Military Service

Denis Murphy served as a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This war took place from 1861 to 1865. In the summer of 1861, he joined a group of volunteers. This group was called the "De Pere Rifles." They became part of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.

Bravery at Corinth

Denis Murphy earned the Medal of Honor for his amazing bravery. This happened during the Second Battle of Corinth. During this battle, he was carrying his regiment's flag, also known as the colors. Even though he was wounded three times, he kept holding the flag high. This showed incredible courage and determination.

He was also wounded in two other important battles. These were the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Iuka. Denis Murphy became a sergeant during his service. He was discharged from the army in November 1862 because of his injuries.

Returning to Service

After getting better, Denis Murphy decided to rejoin the war. He became a 2nd lieutenant in the 34th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. This group mostly worked as guards near Columbus, Kentucky.

Denis Murphy served one last time in the Union Army. In April 1865, he became a 1st lieutenant in the 53rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. However, the war was almost over by then. Most of the Confederate forces had already given up. So, this regiment was never fully formed. Still, Denis Murphy's company was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas. His company later joined the 51st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. This regiment returned to Wisconsin in August and finished their service.

After the War

After the war, Denis Murphy was active in politics. He was part of the Republican Party of Wisconsin in the 1870s and 1880s. He often attended important state meetings. In 1878 and 1879, he tried to become a representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is like a state government position. He ran for the area around Brown County, Wisconsin. However, he did not win these elections.

Denis Murphy's Legacy

Denis Murphy was given a special sword. This sword was a ceremonial saber. It had an inscription that said "for valor at the Battles of Shiloh and Corinth." Valor means great courage. His family kept this saber for many years. Sadly, it disappeared in the mid-1990s.

Today, an Army Reserve center is named after him. It is called the Denis J. Murphy Army Reserve. It is located in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. This helps remember his bravery and service.

See also

• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: M–P