James Cooney (Medal of Honor)

He fought with courage in the ferocious battle near Tientsin

James Cooney earned the Medal of Honor for meritorious conduct during the battle of Tientsin, China, on July 13, 1900. A Marine private at the time, he served during the China Relief Expedition and later attained the rank of corporal.

Born in Limerick, Ireland, on July 27, 1860, Cooney received his Medal of Honor on December 11, 1901. He died on March 14, 1903, and was buried at Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo, California. His official citation commemorates his conduct in battle without describing an individual tactical episode.

Medal of Honor citation

In the presence of the enemy during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Cooney distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.