John O'Neal (Medal of Honor)

He kept his composure and helped prevent more deaths at sea.

John O'Neal was born in Ireland in 1841. He served in the United States Navy as a boatswain's mate aboard USS Kansas.

On April 12, 1872, near Greytown, Nicaragua, Commander A. F. Crosman and others drowned. O'Neal remained composed during the emergency and, through his personal efforts, prevented further loss of life. His Medal of Honor recognized both his coolness and his action to protect others.

The citation preserves the record of a sailor whose courage helped limit the toll of a fatal disaster.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas, O'Neal displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A.F. Crosman and others were drowned near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by personal exertion prevented greater loss of life.