John Moran (Medal of Honor) facts for kids

John Moran (born 1830, died 1905) was a brave American soldier. He was a cavalryman, which means he rode horses in battle. He earned the Medal of Honor, America's highest award for military bravery. He received it for his actions during the Indian Wars.

John Moran's Early Life and Military Service

John Moran was born in January 1830. Some records say he was born in Maine, USA. Other sources suggest he might have been born in Ireland or Lyon, France.

He decided to join the United States Army. He became a soldier in the cavalry. Cavalry soldiers were important because they could move quickly across land.

Bravery in the Indian Wars

Moran served during the Indian Wars. These were a series of conflicts between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. They took place from 1866 to 1890.

John Moran was a private in Company F. This company was part of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. On August 25, 1869, he fought in the Battle of Seneca Mountain in Arizona.

Receiving the Medal of Honor

After showing great courage in this battle, Moran was awarded the Medal of Honor. He received this special award on March 3, 1870. The award was given for his "Gallantry in action," which means he acted very bravely during the fight.

Four other soldiers from his company also received the Medal of Honor for their bravery in the same battle. They were Corporal Philip Murphy, Corporal Thomas Murphy, Corporal Edward Stanley, and Private Herbert Mahers.

Later Life and Burial

John Moran left the army in 1881 due to a disability. He passed away in the winter of 1905.

He was buried in a cemetery near Lidy Hot Springs, Idaho. For many years, his grave was not marked. In 2010, a community effort helped find and mark abandoned cemeteries in the area. A fence was put around the cemetery, and a special marker was placed for John Moran. However, the exact spot of his grave is still unknown.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars