Sergeant John J. Nolan, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on October 27, 1862 at Georgia Landing, Louisiana during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company K, 8th New Hampshire Infantry. Nolan was 20 years old.
The medal was presented on August 3, 1897, 34 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Nolan was born on June 24, 1842 in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Nashua, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. Nolan died on June 13, 1912 in Bronx, New York, at the age of 69. He is buried at St. Raymond's Cemetery in Bronx, New York.
Nolan is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 35 credited to New Hampshire.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Although prostrated by a cannon shot, refused to give up the flag which he was carrying as color bearer of his regiment and continued to carry it at the head of the regiment throughout the engagement.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- June 24, 1842Born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland
- October 27, 1862Act of valor — Georgia Landing, LouisianaAge 20. Company K, 8th New Hampshire Infantry
- August 3, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- June 13, 1912Died in Bronx, New YorkAge 69.
- Resting placeSt. Raymond's CemeteryBronx, New York
