| Notes |
- ** From https://irishamericancivilwar.com/2013/06/12/medal-of-honor-first-lieutenant-menomen-odonnell-11th-missouri-infantry/
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Menomen O’Donnell was born in Drumboarty, Co. Donegal on 20th April 1830 and emigrated to the United States during the Famine, arriving in America in 1848. Gradually moving further and further west, he eventually settling in Bridgeport, Illinois in 1850.
On 7th June 1853 Menomen married Mary Bailey of Towanda, Pennsylvania. The couple would go on to have nine children together, although two would not survive infancy. He did well as a farmer and stock-breeder, and at one point owned over 1,000 acres. His success meant that the family he left in Ireland could join him, and over the course of the 1850s he was able to welcome his brother, sisters, father and step-mother to Illinois. He was even able to take a trip back to Ireland shortly before the war broke out- for Menomen O’Donnell America was fulfilling all his hopes and dreams. (1)
- ** Notes on Find A Grave page
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Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Captain in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a First Lieutenant in Company A, 11th Missouri Infantry for action on May 22, 1863 at Vicksburg, Mississippi and March 14, 1864 at Fort DeRussey, Louisiana. His citation reads "Voluntarily joined the color guard in the assault on the enemy's works when he saw indications of wavering and caused the colors of his regiment to be planted on the parapet. Voluntarily placed himself in the ranks of an assaulting column (being then on staff duty) and rode with it into the enemy's works, being the only mounted officer present; was twice wounded in battle."
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1830 - 1911 (81 years)
