John Connor (Medal of Honor)

Gallantry along the Wichita River

John Connor was born in Galway, Ireland, in 1845. He served as a corporal in Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry, during the Army's nineteenth-century campaigns in the American West.

On July 12, 1870, at the Wichita River in Texas, Connor distinguished himself in action. His Medal of Honor citation gives only the phrase “Gallantry in action,” without identifying a specific rescue, wound, or tactical maneuver. The official recipient record lists August 25, 1870, as the presentation date.

Connor later retired as a sergeant. He died in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 1907, and was buried at Soldier's Home National Cemetery. His award preserves recognition of a cavalryman's courage, while the brief citation leaves the particular circumstances of his conduct largely undescribed.

Official Medal of Honor citation: Gallantry in action.