Dennis Murphy (Medal of Honor)
Encyclopedia
Dennis John Francis Murphy (June 28, 1830-June 19, 1901) served in the Union Army
during the American Civil War
. He received the Medal of Honor
for his actions during the Second Battle of Corinth
, where he continued carrying his regiment's colors
despite being wounded three times.
Murphy was a member of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, coming from a unit known as "the De Pere Rifles." He and his wife owned a family farm in Glenmore (De Pere), and moved into Green Bay after the war—his injuries making it no longer possible to continue farming. His full name was Denis John Francis Murphy, and his wife was Bridget (McGinnis) Murphy. (This comment added by a Murphy descendant)
Murphy had also seen action and been wounded earlier at Shiloh. He was awarded a ceremonial saber with the inscription "for valor at the Battles of Shiloh and Corinth." This saber was kept and handed down by his descendants until it myseriously disappeared into the hands of a thus-far anonymous collector in the mid 1990s. (This comment added by a descendant of Murphy)
Murphy was born in County Cork
, Ireland
. He joined the Union Army in Lowell, Massachusetts
in September 1861, and after his discharge in November 1862 lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin
. He is buried in the Murphy Family Plot (along with his wife, parents, several of his 11 children and other relatives at the "Allouez Catholic Cemetery" in nearby Allouez, Wisconsin
.
Many of Murphy's descendants still live in Brown County, Wisconsin; with many more in other parts of the United States.
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. He received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his actions during the Second Battle of Corinth
Second Battle of Corinth
The Second Battle of Corinth was fought October 3–4, 1862, in Corinth, Mississippi. For the second time in the Iuka-Corinth Campaign, Union Maj. Gen. William S...
, where he continued carrying his regiment's colors
Colours, standards and guidons
In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or Guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago...
despite being wounded three times.
Murphy was a member of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, coming from a unit known as "the De Pere Rifles." He and his wife owned a family farm in Glenmore (De Pere), and moved into Green Bay after the war—his injuries making it no longer possible to continue farming. His full name was Denis John Francis Murphy, and his wife was Bridget (McGinnis) Murphy. (This comment added by a Murphy descendant)
Murphy had also seen action and been wounded earlier at Shiloh. He was awarded a ceremonial saber with the inscription "for valor at the Battles of Shiloh and Corinth." This saber was kept and handed down by his descendants until it myseriously disappeared into the hands of a thus-far anonymous collector in the mid 1990s. (This comment added by a descendant of Murphy)
Murphy was born in County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. He joined the Union Army in Lowell, Massachusetts
Lowell, Massachusetts
Lowell is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 106,519. It is the fourth largest city in the state. Lowell and Cambridge are the county seats of Middlesex County...
in September 1861, and after his discharge in November 1862 lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
. He is buried in the Murphy Family Plot (along with his wife, parents, several of his 11 children and other relatives at the "Allouez Catholic Cemetery" in nearby Allouez, Wisconsin
Allouez, Wisconsin
Allouez is a village in Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 15,443. It is part of the Green Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
.
Many of Murphy's descendants still live in Brown County, Wisconsin; with many more in other parts of the United States.
Medal of Honor citation
His award citation reads:Although wounded three times, carried the colors throughout the conflict.