Bernard John Dowling Irwin

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Assistant Surgeon Bernard John Dowling Irwin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on February 13 & 14, 1861, while serving with 7th U.S. Infantry, in action at Apache Pass, Arizona Territory. Assistant Surgeon Irwin voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of Second Lieutenant George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, who with 60 men was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom’s column and help break his siege.