Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Corporal Alexander U. McHale received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 12, 1864 in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company H, 26th Michigan Infantry. McHale was 27 years old.
34 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on January 11, 1900, 35 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
McHale was born on March 16, 1837 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan. McHale died on March 13, 1911 in Soldiers Home - Orting, Washington, at the age of 73. He is buried at Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery in Orting, Washington.
McHale is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 112 credited to Michigan.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Captured a Confederate color in a charge, threw the flag over in front of the works, and continued in the charge upon the enemy.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- March 16, 1837Born in Ireland
- May 12, 1864Act of valor — Spotsylvania Courthouse, VirginiaAge 27. Company H, 26th Michigan Infantry
- January 11, 1900Medal of Honor presented
- March 13, 1911Died in Soldiers Home - Orting, WashingtonAge 73.
- Resting placeWashington Soldiers Home CemeteryOrting, Washington
