John Keough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Keough
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|---|---|
| Born | 1835 County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit |  Company E, 67th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Sayler's Creek American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
John Keough was a brave soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was born in 1835 in County Tipperary, Ireland. During the war, he served in the Union Army and showed amazing courage. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in the United States.
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John Keough: A Civil War Hero
John Keough was an important figure in the American Civil War, a major conflict that took place in the United States from 1861 to 1865. This war was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). Keough joined the Union Army, which was fighting to keep the country united.
Early Life and Joining the War
John Keough was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1835. When he was older, he moved to the United States. It is believed he joined the Union Army either in Annapolis, Maryland, or in Albany, New York. He became a Corporal, which is a non-commissioned officer rank in the army. This means he was a leader for a small group of soldiers. He served in Company E of the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry.
What is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the most important military award given by the United States government. It is given to members of the armed forces who show extreme bravery and courage, often risking their own lives, during a battle. It is a very special award that only a few soldiers receive. John Keough earned this incredible honor for his actions during the Civil War.
Heroism at Sayler's Creek
John Keough's heroic moment happened on April 6, 1865. This was during the Battle of Sayler's Creek in Virginia. This battle was one of the last major fights of the Civil War. During the intense fighting, Corporal Keough performed an extraordinary act of bravery. He managed to capture the battle flag of the 50th Georgia Infantry, which was a Confederate army unit. Capturing an enemy's flag was a very significant achievement in battle. It showed great courage and often lowered the morale of the enemy while boosting the morale of one's own side.
His Medal of Honor was officially given to him on May 10, 1865, just a short time after the battle and the end of the Civil War.
A Lasting Mystery
While we know about John Keough's bravery and his important award, some parts of his life remain a mystery. It is not known when or where John Keough died. We also do not know where he was buried. Despite these unknowns, his courageous actions during the Civil War are remembered through his Medal of Honor.
