Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Chief Machinist Michael Walsh received the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 21, 1903 on the rocks of Block Island, Rhode Island — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Leyden. Walsh was 44 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Walsh was born on July 27, 1858 in Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island. His Medal of Honor is credited to Rhode Island. Walsh died on June 29, 1913, at the age of 54. He is buried at St. Columbia's Cemetery in Middletown, Rhode Island.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Serving on board the U.S.S. Leyden; for heroism at the time of the wreck of that vessel, 21 January 1903.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Rhode Island →
Timeline
- July 27, 1858Born in Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
- January 21, 1903Act of valor — on the rocks of Block Island, Rhode IslandAge 44. U.S.S. Leyden
- June 29, 1913DiedAge 54.
- Resting placeSt. Columbia's CemeteryMiddletown, Rhode Island
Biography
Michael Walsh (July 27, 1858 – June 29, 1913) was a chief machinist serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Michael Walsh (Medal of Honor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →