John Kennedy (Medal of Honor) facts for kids

John Kennedy (born May 14, 1834 – died September 28, 1910) was a brave soldier who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was born in Ireland but became an American citizen. John Kennedy earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He received it for his actions during a big battle called the Battle of Trevilian Station.

A Brave Stand in Battle

John Kennedy was born on May 14, 1834. On June 11, 1864, he was fighting in the Battle of Trevilian Station in Virginia. He was part of a group of five soldiers assigned to a large brass cannon. This cannon could fire a twelve-pound shot.

Their group was led by Lieutenant William Egan. They were part of a bigger artillery unit under Lieutenant Alexander Pennington. This unit belonged to General George Armstrong Custer's Michigan Cavalry Brigade.

A group of Confederate cavalry soldiers, led by Captain Daniel A. Grimsley, attacked their position. The Union soldiers were ordered to retreat. But John Kennedy and another soldier named Private Charles O'Neil decided to stay. They wanted to protect the cannon and cover their unit's retreat.

They kept firing the cannon, using all their special ammunition like grape shot and canister shot. When that ran out, they used their rifles and then their pistols. Even after running out of bullets, they kept fighting with tools like handspikes and sponge staffs. They were eventually captured by the Confederate soldiers.

After the Battle

John Kennedy and Private O'Neil were sent to a prison camp called Andersonville prison. This was a very tough place for prisoners. John Kennedy survived his time there.

After the war ended, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army. He rose through the ranks and became an ordnance sergeant. This rank meant he was in charge of military supplies and weapons. He retired from the army in 1891.

In 1892, Lieutenant Carle E. Woodruff suggested that John Kennedy should receive the Medal of Honor. Major Pennington, who had been his commander, supported this idea.

John Kennedy passed away on September 28, 1910. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

See Also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: G–L