Navy Federal Credit Union

In his rescue of Alexander McKenzie, who also received the Medal of Honor for this action, John Coleman performed the first of at least four incidents where a Medal of Honor was awarded for saving the life of a Medal of Honor recipient.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    U.S.S. Colorado

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1871

    War Department, General Orders No. 169 (February 8, 1872)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private John Coleman, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Colorado in action at Korea on 11 June 1871. Fighting hand-to-hand with the enemy, Private Coleman succeeded in saving the life of Alexander McKenzie.