Private Michael McNamara, a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 11, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benicia. McNamara was about 30 years old.
11 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
McNamara was born in 1841 in County Clare, Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. McNamara died on April 25, 1907 in Hoboken, New Jersey, at the age of about 66. He is buried at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, New Jersey.
McNamara is one of 15 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1871 Korean expedition and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Benicia during the capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Advancing to the parapet, McNamara wrenched the matchlock from the hands of an enemy and killed him.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1841Born in County Clare, Ireland
- June 11, 1871Act of valor — Korean Forts, KoreaAge about 30. U.S.S. Benicia
- April 25, 1907Died in Hoboken, New JerseyAge about 66.
- Resting placeHoly Name CemeteryJersey City, New Jersey
