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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Michael Madden — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Service Era: American Civil War
Medals Recorded: 1

Michael Madden

Private, U.S. Army

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American Civil War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1896–1903 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Swam across a river with a wounded comrade under heavy fire.

Michael Madden went back for a wounded comrade under heavy fire and then swam him across a branch of the Potomac to safety.

Born in County Limerick, Ireland, on September 28, 1841, Madden served as a private in Company K, 42d New York Infantry. On September 3, 1861, at Mason's Island, Maryland, he helped the wounded man reach the riverbank and then entered the water with him while Confederate fire continued.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): Assisted a wounded comrade to the riverbank and, under heavy enemy fire, swam with him across a branch of the Potomac to the Union lines.

Madden received the Medal of Honor in 1898. He died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 7, 1920, and was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

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