John McLennon | |
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Born | 1855 Fort Belknap, Texas |
Died | 1888 (aged 32–33) Rock Springs, Wyoming |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Years of service | 1871 - 1888 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Battles/wars | Indian Wars |
Awards | Medal of Honor |
John McLennon (1855-May 14, 1888) was a United States Army musician who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of the Big Hole in Montana in 1877.[1]
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McLennon's parents were Michael and Mary (Ryan), who got married in County Kilkenny, Ireland. His father entered the US military and McLennon was born Fort Belknap, Texas in 1855.[2] McLennon was one of five children and had a fraternal twin sister, Annie. His family had a 3-generation connection with the 7th Infantry. His father Michael also served in Company A, serving for at least 13 years, including the American Civil War. Two of his nephews also served with the 7th Infantry in the Spanish–American War.[3] One of McLennon's brothers-in-law, Patrick Rogan, also served in Company A and a was also awarded a Medal of Honor for actions at the Battle of the Big Hole. Another of his sisters married Milden Wilson, another United States Army soldier who also received the medal of Honor for his actions in the Indian Wars.[3][4]
McLennon enlisted in the Army at Fort Ellis, Montana Territory in 1871. He never grew over 5 feet tall. He later became a Sergeant and stayed with the unit until he died May 14, 1888[3], participating in many battles against Indians during his career. He died of “acute nephritis”.[3] He never married and is buried in Rock Springs, Wyoming beside his relative Rogan.
Rank and organization: Musician, Company A, 7th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Big Hole, Mont., 9 August 1877. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Fort Belknap, Tex. Date of issue: 2 December 1878.
Citation:
Gallantry in action.[5]