Career
Prendergast joined the Marine Corps from Boston in May 1893, and was honorably discharged in July 1907. While a corporal, Prendergast was one of three Marines attached to the Eighth Army Corps, involved in the jungle fighting against the insurgent forces of Emilio Aguinaldo. In his, he was cited for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle" for actions on March 25, 27, and 29 and April 5, 1899.
In this period, American forces cleared the insurgents from the vicinity of Manila and captured the rebel capital of Malolos, forcing Aguinaldo"s command northward into the mountains.
The other men awarded Medals of Honor for these actions were Private Howard Major Buckley and Private Joseph Leonard. Prendergast is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia.
His grave, which had long been unmarked, received a gravestone in 2004, with military honors.