Michael McNamara (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael McNamara
|
|
|---|---|
.png)
Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Born | 1839 County Clare, Ireland |
| Died | 1907 (aged 67–68) |
| Place of burial |
Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, New Jersey
|
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1868–1872 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | USS Benicia (1868) |
| Battles/wars | Korean Expedition |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Michael McNamara (1839–1907) was a brave U.S. Marine who earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He received this special medal for his actions during a historical event called the Korean Expedition in 1871.
Contents
Who Was Michael McNamara?
Michael McNamara was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1839. When he was older, he moved to the United States. In November 1868, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps from Brooklyn, New York. He served as a Private, which is a common rank for new recruits. He served his country for four years and was honorably discharged in 1872, meaning he left the service with a good record.
What Is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the most important and respected award a member of the United States Armed Forces can receive. It is given for extreme bravery and courage shown during combat. To earn this medal, a person must go above and beyond the call of duty, often risking their own life to save others or complete a very difficult mission. It's a symbol of incredible heroism.
The Korean Expedition of 1871
In 1871, the United States sent a group of ships and Marines to Korea. This event is known as the Korean Expedition. The main goal was to make sure American sailors who had been shipwrecked in Korea were safe. It was also to establish a treaty to protect American ships and trade.
The Battle of Ganghwa Island
During this expedition, U.S. forces faced strong resistance from Korean forts on Ganghwa Island. The Marines and sailors had to fight their way through heavily defended positions. It was a very challenging battle, with the Americans needing to capture several forts.
McNamara's Bravery in Action
Private Michael McNamara was part of the crew on the USS Benicia, one of the ships involved in the expedition. During the intense fighting on Ganghwa Island, he showed great courage. While the exact details of his actions are not widely known, his bravery was recognized as outstanding. Because of his heroic actions during this difficult battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This shows how important his contributions were to the success of the mission.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving the Marine Corps in 1872, Michael McNamara lived until 1907. He passed away at the age of 68. He was buried in Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, New Jersey. His name lives on as a recipient of the Medal of Honor, a true American hero who showed incredible bravery in service to his country.
See also
