John Brosnan (soldier)

Sergeant John Brosnan (July 1, 1846 – August 7, 1921[1]) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Brosnan received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Second Battle of Petersburg in Virginia on 17 July 1864. He was honored with the award on 18 January 1894.[1][2]

John Brosnan
Born(1846-07-01)July 1, 1846
Ireland
DiedAugust 7, 1921(1921-08-07) (aged 75)
Brooklyn, New York
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Union Army
Years of service1862 - 1865
RankSergeant
UnitNew York (state) 164th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry - Company E
Battles/warsSecond Battle of Petersburg
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Brosnan was born in Ireland on 1 July 1846. He enlisted in the 164th New York Infantry as a private on 2 August 1862. The 164th, along with the 155th New York Infantry, 170th New York Infantry, 175th New York Infantry, and 182nd New York Infantry, made up a brigade of Irish soldiers referred to as Corcoran's Legion.[2] It was while he was a sergeant in command of his company that he performed the act of gallantry that earned him the Medal of Honor. On the morning of 17 June 1864, Brosnan responded to the groans of a member of his company, Corporal Michael Carroll, who had been wounded by hidden rebels and lay exposed to heavy fire from the enemy. Under fire Brosnan carried out a successful attempt to rescue Carroll by lifting him on his arms and out of the line of fire. Brosnan, too, was wounded in this rescue, subsequently losing an arm.[3][4] He was discharged as a result of his wounds in February 1865.

After the war, Brosnan resided in New York and died on 7 August 1921. His remains are interred at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Rescued a wounded comrade who lay exposed to the enemy's fire, receiving a severe wound in the effort.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "John Brosnan". Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  2. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  3. "Kerrymen's 'Congressional Medal of Honor' Plaque: December 7th, 2011 7 pm in the Kerry Hall (By Invitation only)". 25 November 2011.
  4. "How He Lost an Arm and Won the Medal of Honor in the Civil War". Retrieved 5 October 2013.
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