Patrick Murphy (Medal of Honor)

Patrick Murphy was a Union Navy sailor during the American Civil War who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his heroic actions during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Born in Ireland, Murphy began his seafaring career on North Atlantic merchant ships and served for two years in the British Royal Navy before immigrating to the United States and settling in Erie, Pennsylvania.

After arriving in America, Murphy enlisted in the U.S. Navy and initially served on the Great Lakes aboard the USS Michigan as a petty officer. During the Civil War, he was stationed aboard the USS Metacomet, where he distinguished himself during the intense naval engagement at Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864.

Following the conclusion of the war, Murphy returned to Erie and resumed his service aboard the USS Michigan. He remained with the vessel for another twenty years, eventually retiring from the Navy with the warrant officer rank of Boatswain.