b. 13/11/1891 Baltimore, Maryland. d. 06/01/1960 Bolivia, North Carolina.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21-22/04/1914 Veracruz, Mexico.
Edward O McDonnell MOH
Mexican Campaign Medal of Honor Recipient. He was an Ensign in the U.S. Navy serving at Vera Cruz, Mexico. Posted on the roof of the Terminal Hotel and landing, Ensign 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.
His Medal was awarded on December 4, 1915. His was one of the 55 Medals of Honor awarded by the Navy for bravery in the Mexican Campaign. (46 U.S. Navy and 9 Marines). On 10 March 1919 Lieutenant Commander 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. He rose to the rank of Vice Admiral. Admiral McDonnell died in the 1960 bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511 in Bolivia, North Carolina. His son, also Edward, was killed in action in World War II and is buried with him at Arlington.
MOH CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 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 three wounded at his side during the two 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 2, GRAVE 4955-4.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
