Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Bernard
John Dowling
Irwin
June 24, 1830

–

December 15, 1927

Cemetery:

US Military Academy Cemetery

Though Bernard J.D. Irwin’s Medal of Honor was not presented until 1894, his action on February 13, 1861 (a year before the Army Medal of Honor was created and prior to the Civil War) was the first Medal of Honor action in history.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Assistant Surgeon

    Division:

    7th U.S. Infantry

    Action Date:

    February 13 & 14, 1861
    Date of Issue: January 24, 1894

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Assistant Surgeon Bernard John Dowling Irwin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on February 13 & 14, 1861, while serving with 7th U.S. Infantry, in action at Apache Pass, Arizona Territory. Assistant Surgeon Irwin voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of Second Lieutenant George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, who with 60 men was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom’s column and help break his siege.