Background
John Francis O'Sullivan was born in County Kerry, southern Ireland in 1850.
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John O'Sullivan
Edit ProfileCareer
He eventually emigrated to the United States where he enlisted in the U.S. Army in New York City, New York on March 22, 1870. On December 8, 1874, he was part of a cavalry detachment that was pursuing 10 Indians through the Muchague Valley. In the course of the chase the Indians suddenly dismounted and took up positions to fire upon the soldiers.
He and fellow Private Frederick Bergendahl distinguished themselves in this battle, and after nearly all the renegades had been killed, O'Sullivan pursued the last surviving Indian but was unable to catch him. After leaving the military, O'Sullivan returned to New York where he died on May 19, 1907, at the age of 57. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York.
A memorial marker was erected in his memory at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas.
Achievements
Membership
O'Sullivan became a member of the 4th U.S. Cavalry and saw action during the Texas-Indian Wars of the 1870s.
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Born
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Died
March 19, 1907 (aged 57) -
Nationality
Irish -
Ethnicity
Awards
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Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Private, Company I, 4th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Staked Plains, Tex., 8 December 1874. Entered service at New York, N.Y. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 13 October 1875. Citation: Gallantry in a long chase after Indians.Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Private, Company I, 4th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Staked Plains, Tex., 8 December 1874. Entered service at New York, N.Y. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 13 October 1875. Citation: Gallantry in a long chase after Indians.