Assistant Surgeon Bernard John dowling Irwin was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 13, 1861 at Apache Pass, Arizona during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with 7th U.S. Infantry. Irwin was 30 years old.
The medal was presented on January 24, 1894, 32 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Brigadier General.
Irwin was born on June 24, 1830 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York, New York. Irwin died on December 15, 1927 in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 97. He is buried at U.S. Military Academy Cemetery in West Point, New York. His medal is held by Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, KS.
Irwin is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surg. Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, who with 60 men was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- June 24, 1830Born in Ireland
- February 13, 1861Act of valor — Apache Pass, ArizonaAge 30. 7th U.S. Infantry
- January 24, 1894Medal of Honor presented
- December 15, 1927Died in Cobourg, Ontario, CanadaAge 97.
- Resting placeU.S. Military Academy CemeteryWest Point, New York
