Corporal James McDonald, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on August 13, 1868 vicinity of the Black Mountains, Arizona during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry. McDonald was about 34 years old.
30 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on July 24, 1869. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
McDonald was born in 1834 in Edinburgh, Scotland — one of 41 recipients born in Scotland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. McDonald died on July 21, 1915 in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, at the age of about 81. He is buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh, UK.
McDonald is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 210 credited to Illinois.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
From the archives
When he enlisted in the U.S. Army, McDonald gave his birthplace as Scotland. Therefore, that is his official birthplace in U.S. military records. However, subsequent research has shown he was born in County Donegal, Ireland.
Timeline
- 1834Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
- August 13, 1868Act of valor — Vicinity of the Black Mountains, ArizonaAge about 34. Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry
- July 24, 1869Medal of Honor presented
- July 21, 1915Died in Edinburgh, Scotland, UKAge about 81.
- Resting placeMount Vernon CemeteryEdinburgh
Further reading
- Sergeant James McDonald: Irish-Scots Medal of Honor Recipientcmohs.org · 2023
