b. 06/11/1867 Shanat Castle, County Limerick, Ireland. d. 07/12/1937 Brooklyn, New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 28/05/1899 off Annapolis, Maryland.
Shanahan was born in Ireland, emigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 1892.
In 1899 he was a chief boatswain’s mate on the USS Alliance when he rescued another sailor from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
He was warranted to boatswain on March 11, 1902, and promoted to chief boatswain on March 11, 1908. During World War I, he received a temporary promotion to lieutenant on July 1, 1918.
He retired from the Navy in 1922 and died in 1937.
MOH CITATION:
On board the U.S.S. Alliance, 28 May 1899. Displaying heroism, Shanahan rescued William Stevens, quartermaster first class, from drowning.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 7, GRAVE 10295.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
