Jeremiah J. Murphy

Trying to save a wounded comrade during Powder River combat.

Jeremiah J. Murphy was born on February 2, 1858, in County Cork, Ireland. He served as a private in Company M, 3d U.S. Cavalry.

During action at Powder River on March 17, 1876, Murphy was the only member of his picket who had not been disabled. He attempted to save a wounded comrade, an act recognized by the Medal of Honor. The brief official citation does not identify the wounded man or state whether the rescue succeeded.

The award was issued on October 16, 1877, and was accredited to Boston, Massachusetts. Murphy died in Detroit, Michigan, on May 12, 1932. He was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His Medal of Honor records his willingness to help an injured fellow soldier when the rest of his small group could no longer act.

Official Medal of Honor citation: Being the only member of his picket not disabled, he attempted to save a wounded comrade.