Edward Orrick Mcdonnell
Born: November 13, 1891 at Baltimore, Maryland
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Ensign Edward Orrick McDonnell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in battle during the engagements of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914. Posted on the roof of the Terminal Hotel and landing, Ensign McDonnell established a signal station there day and night, maintaining communication between troops and ships. At this exposed post he was continually under fire. One man was killed and three wounded at his side during the two days’ fighting. He showed extraordinary heroism and striking courage and maintained his station in the highest degree of efficiency. All signals got through, largely due to his heroic devotion to duty.
