Menomen O'Donnell

Rode into enemy works alone as the only mounted officer.

At Fort DeRussey in Louisiana, Menomen O'Donnell rode into the Confederate works with an assaulting column even though he was then serving on staff duty. It was one of two actions cited for his Medal of Honor, and the official Army record notes that he was wounded twice in battle.

Born in Ireland, O'Donnell served in Company A, 11th Missouri Infantry. He was a first lieutenant during the actions for which he was decorated and later held the rank of captain. At Vicksburg on May 22, 1863, he voluntarily joined the color guard when he saw signs of wavering and helped ensure that the regimental colors were planted on the enemy parapet. At Fort DeRussey on March 14, 1864, he placed himself in the assaulting column and rode into the works as the only mounted officer present.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): Voluntarily joined the color guard at Vicksburg and helped plant the colors on the enemy works; later joined the assault at Fort DeRussey while on staff duty, rode into the works as the only mounted officer present, and was twice wounded.

O'Donnell died in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1911 and was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery.