Richard J. Curran

He Treated the Wounded While the Battle Raged

Richard J. Curran was born on January 4, 1838, in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he entered Union service during the American Civil War and initially served with Company K of the 33rd New York Infantry.

Curran's military career soon moved toward medicine. After serving as a private and hospital steward, he became an assistant surgeon in 1862, placing him among the medical officers responsible for treating soldiers under the brutal conditions of Civil War combat.

On September 17, 1862, the 33rd New York Infantry took part in the Battle of Antietam in Maryland. The fighting became one of the bloodiest single days of the war, leaving thousands of soldiers killed or wounded across the battlefield.

During the battle, Curran refused to remain safely behind the lines. He voluntarily exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved among wounded and helpless soldiers, treating their injuries and helping move them toward medical care.

His work continued despite the danger surrounding the temporary hospital and the active fighting nearby. Rather than withdraw from the exposed area, Curran remained focused on the wounded men who depended on him.

Curran continued his Army medical career after Antietam. He later served with the 6th New York Cavalry and ultimately became a surgeon with the 9th New York Cavalry, the highest verified rank of his military service.

More than thirty-five years after Antietam, his courage was formally recognized. On March 30, 1898, Richard J. Curran received the Medal of Honor for voluntarily exposing himself to danger while caring for and assisting wounded soldiers during the battle.

After the Civil War, Curran built a long civilian career in Rochester, New York. He remained involved in medicine and public life and later served as mayor of Rochester from 1892 to 1894.

Richard J. Curran died on June 1, 1915, and was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.

His Medal of Honor legacy came not from carrying a weapon into the center of battle, but from entering danger to save those already wounded. At Antietam, while the fighting continued around him, Curran chose to remain with the injured and provide the care they desperately needed.