Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Michael McKeever received the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 19, 1863 in Burnt Ordinary, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company K, 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. McKeever was 20 years old.
The medal was presented on August 2, 1897, 34 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
McKeever was born on March 25, 1842 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. McKeever died on December 24, 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 74. He is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
McKeever is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Was one of a small scouting party that charged and routed a mounted force of the enemy six times their number. He led the charge in a most gallant and distinguished manner, going far beyond the call of duty.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- March 25, 1842Born in Ireland
- January 19, 1863Act of valor — Burnt Ordinary, VirginiaAge 20. Company K, 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry
- August 2, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- December 24, 1916Died in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAge 74.
- Resting placeHoly Sepulchre CemeteryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
