O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was named in his memory.Ĭharles Shea (see the Wikipedia entry in his nameįor submarine operations against two Japanese convoys. Singly-handedly attacked and captured a pillbox Ĭhaplain aboard aircraft carrier USS Franklin. Rescued six wounded men despite intense fireĮxposed himself to fire in order to lead and organize his men, remained with them after being wounded Ĭontinued to lead an attack despite being repeatedly wounded Sommerance- Landres-et-Saint-Georges Road, France This indicates that the recipient was born in Ireland Image This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously The award was made three decades after the event and after Madden's award). Irwin for the engagement at Apache Pass, February 1861. The first Irish American to receive the Medal was Michael Madden, who received it for his actions in the American Civil War (Note that the earliest action for which the Medal of Honor was awarded was to Irish American U.S. A monument to these Irish-born Medal of Honor recipients is located at Valley Forge's Medal of Honor Grove erected by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Of the 3,464 Medals of Honor awarded as of September 17, 2009, an estimated 2,021 (58%) have been awarded to Irish-American recipients, more than twice the number awarded any other ethnic group 257 Irish-born Americans have received the Medal of Honor which represents more than half of foreign-born MOH recipients. The Medal of Honor is bestowed 'for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force.' The medal is awarded by the President of the United States on behalf of the Congress.

The following is a list of Irish-American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who were awarded the American military's highest decoration - the Medal of Honor.

Union navy medal of honor civil war