Siddhesh Joshi (Editor)

Edward Orrick McDonnell

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Years of service
  
1912-1951

Awards
  
Medal of Honor


Name
  
Edward McDonnell

Rank
  
Vice admiral

Edward Orrick McDonnell navylognavymemorialorgsitesdefaultfilesnavy


Born
  
November 13, 1891 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. (
1891-11-13
)

Buried at
  
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S.

Died
  
January 6, 1960, Bolivia, North Carolina, United States

Education
  
United States Naval Academy

Service/branch
  
United States Navy

Allegiance
  
United States of America

Edward Orrick McDonnell (November 13, 1891 – January 6, 1960) was an American sailor and Medal of Honor recipient.

Contents

Biography

He was born on 13 November 1891 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912. He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.

On 10 March 1919 Lt Cdr McDonnell flew a British-built Sopwith Camel off an overhauled gun turret on the USS Texas and thus became the first man to fly an airplane off a battleship.

Admiral McDonnell died in the 1960 bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511 in Bolivia, North Carolina.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Ensign Organization: U.S. Navy Born:13 November 1891, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland Date of issue: 12/04/1915

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Posted on the roof of the Terminal Hotel and landing, Ens. McDonnell established a signal station there day and night, maintaining communication between troops and ships. At this exposed post he was continually under fire. One man was killed and 3 wounded at his side during the 2 days' fighting. He showed extraordinary heroism and striking courage and maintained his station in the highest degree of efficiency. All signals got through, largely due to his heroic devotion to duty.

Namesake

The frigate USS Edward McDonnell was named in his memory.

References

Edward Orrick McDonnell Wikipedia