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Edward Orrick McDonnell

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Edward Orrick McDonnell
United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient
Born(1891-11-13)November 13, 1891
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
DiedJanuary 6, 1960(1960-01-06) (aged 68)
Bolivia, North Carolina, U.S.
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1912–1951
RankVice admiral
Battles / warsBattle of Veracruz
World War I
World War II
AwardsMedal of Honor

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

Biography

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McDonnell c. 1948

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]

Grave at Arlington National Cemetery

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

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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

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The frigate USS Edward McDonnell was named in his memory.

See also

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References

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. ^ "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  2. ^ "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  3. ^ "Edward O. McDonnell". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  4. ^ "Edward Orrick McDonnell". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  5. ^ "BATTLESHIP TEXAS BB35". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
  6. ^ "Ens Edward McDonnell Archives". fireballnotes.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  7. ^ "Ensign McDonnell, Edward Orrick". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
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