Edward Orrick McDonnell
Edward Orrick McDonnell | |
---|---|
![]() United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient | |
Born | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | November 13, 1891
Died | January 6, 1960 Bolivia, North Carolina, U.S. | (aged 68)
Buried | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S. |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1912–1951 |
Rank | Vice admiral |
Battles/wars | Battle of Veracruz World War I World War II |
Awards | Medal of Honor |
Edward Orrick McDonnell (November 13, 1891 – January 6, 1960) was an American vice admiral and Medal of Honor recipient.
Biography
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Edward_O._McDonnell_2.jpg/130px-Edward_O._McDonnell_2.jpg)
McDonnell was born on 13 November 1891 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912.[1] He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.[2][3][4]
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.[5]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Medal_of_Honor_recipient_gravestone_in_Arlington_National_Cemetery%2C_Arlington%2C_Virginia_in_the_2020s_-_296.jpg/310px-Medal_of_Honor_recipient_gravestone_in_Arlington_National_Cemetery%2C_Arlington%2C_Virginia_in_the_2020s_-_296.jpg)
Admiral McDonnell died in the 1960 bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511 in Bolivia, North Carolina.[6] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
[edit]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.[7]
Namesake
[edit]The frigate USS Edward McDonnell was named in his memory.
See also
[edit]- List of Medal of Honor recipients (Veracruz)
- List of United States Naval Academy alumni (Medal of Honor)
- List of unsolved murders
References
[edit]This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ "Edward O. McDonnell". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ^ "Edward Orrick McDonnell". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ^ "BATTLESHIP TEXAS BB35". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
- ^ "Ens Edward McDonnell Archives". fireballnotes.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- ^ "Ensign McDonnell, Edward Orrick". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- 1891 births
- 1960 deaths
- 1960 murders in the United States
- Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in the United States
- Battle of Veracruz (1914) recipients of the Medal of Honor
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- Mass murder victims
- Members of the Early Birds of Aviation
- Military personnel from Baltimore
- People murdered in North Carolina
- United States Naval Academy alumni
- United States Navy admirals
- United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients
- United States Navy World War II admirals
- Unsolved murders in the United States
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1960
- United States Navy personnel of World War I