Patrick James Leonard

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Patrick James Leonard
May 19, 1847(1847-05-19) – January 24, 1899 (aged 51)
Place of birth County Meath, Ireland
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit Company C, 2d U.S. Cavalry
Battles/wars Indian Wars
Awards Medal of Honor

Patrick James Leonard (May 19, 1847 – January 1, 1899) was a United States Army sergeant who won the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars.[1] Until 1984, it was believed that Leonard was a double recipient of the Medal of Honor.[1] However, another Irishman, Patrick Thomas Leonard had also received the Medal of Honor.

Contents

[edit] Early life and education

Leonard was born in County Meath, Ireland.[2]

[edit] Military career

Leonard enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio.[2] His actions as a sergeant at the Little Blue River near Little Blue, Nebraska on May 15, 1876 led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor on June 22, 1870.[2] While searching for stray horses near the river, Leonard and four other soldiers were ambushed by 50 Indians. The men were able to kill three Indians, and wound seven. After repelling the attack, Leonard then escorted two women and a child to the nearest settlement.[2] The other four soldiers (Pvt. Thomas Hubbard, Pvt. Heth Canfield, Pvt. Michael Himmelsback, Pvt. George W. Thompson) also received Medals of Honor.

[edit] Death and legacy

Leonard died on January 1, 1899 and was buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, New Almelo, Kansas.[2][3]

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Little Blue, Nebr., 15 May 1870. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 22 June 1870.

Citation:

Gallantry in action.[4]

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Idaho's Medal of Honor Recipients. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
  2. ^ a b c d e Home of Heroes - Patrick James Leonard. Retrieved on 2008-04-28.
  3. ^ Patrick James Leonard at Find A Grave
  4. ^ Indian Wars Medals of Honor. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
Persondata
NAME Leonard, Patrick James
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION United States Army sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient
DATE OF BIRTH May 19, 1847
PLACE OF BIRTH County Meath, Ireland
DATE OF DEATH January 1, 1899
PLACE OF DEATH