Patrick Regan (Medal of Honor, 1873) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Regan
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|---|---|
| Born | 1852 Cobh, Ireland |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Rank | Ordinary Seaman |
| Unit | USS Pensacola |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Patrick Regan was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He was born in 1852, but we don't know when he passed away. He is famous for receiving the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a person can get for being incredibly brave in the U.S. military. He earned this special award for saving a shipmate's life in a daring rescue at sea.
Patrick Regan's Early Life
Patrick Regan was born in 1852 in a town called Cobh in Ireland. Back then, Cobh was known as Queenstown. Later, he moved to the United States and lived in New York City. That's where he decided to join the U.S. Navy. He became an Ordinary Seaman, which was a rank for sailors who were learning the ropes and doing general duties on a ship.
A Heroic Rescue at Sea
Regan served on a ship named the USS Pensacola. On the morning of July 30, 1873, the Pensacola was in the harbor of Coquimbo, Chile. Suddenly, a strong storm with high winds began. During the storm, one of Regan's shipmates, another Ordinary Seaman named Peter Linguist, fell into the water. He was trying to get back onto the ship from a small boat.
When Peter Linguist came back to the surface, his head hit the boat. This knocked him out, and he became unconscious. Peter was wearing heavy clothes and boots, so he quickly started to sink. Patrick Regan saw the whole thing happen from the ship's gun deck, which is a part of the ship where cannons were kept.
When Regan realized his shipmate was drowning, he didn't hesitate. He bravely jumped through a porthole, which is a small window on a ship. He then rescued Peter Linguist from the water.
Earning the Medal of Honor
The captain of the Pensacola, John H. Upshur, heard about Regan's amazing act right away. He sent a message to his commanders that very day. About two months later, on October 6, Patrick Regan was told he would receive the Medal of Honor.
The official words describing why Regan received the Medal of Honor are:
Serving on board the U.S.S. Pensacola, Regan displayed gallant conduct in the harbor of Coquimbo, Chile, 30 July 1873.
This means he showed great bravery and courage while serving on his ship.
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