John McNulty (U.S. Marine Corps)

Maj. John McNulty of Revere, Massachusetts (fl. c. 1918), American Expeditionary Forces, was a U.S. Marine Corps' World War I war hero. For his service in that conflict, then, 1st Sgt. McNulty was awarded the Navy Cross[1] (for "Extraordinary heroism in combat not justifying the Medal of Honor"), the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)[2] (for "Distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the Medal of Honor") and, twice, the Silver Star[3] (for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States").

This article is about the World War I soldier. For other people with the same name, see John McNulty.

McNulty's most significant act of valor occurred in action between Blanc Mont and St. Etienne, France, on October 4, 1918, while he was a gunnery sergeant. With the crew of his machine gun all killed or wounded about him and while himself under heavy artillery and machine gun fire and severely, near mortally, wounded, Gunnery McNulty voluntarily stood his Vickers gun against Central Powers forces until they were repulsed. Not relinquishing his post even after the enemy retired, McNulty had to be then actually ordered off the field and to the rear for surgical treatment by his commanding officer.[4]

Rise through the ranks to commissioned officer

McNulty was also promoted from 1st Sgt. to Marine Gunner for his heroism at Blanc Mont. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1921 and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1940 at the rank of major, having served a total 40 years with the Corps.[5]

Medals and decorations

Here are some of the medals and decorations awarded 1st Sgt. McNulty:

  • Gannet Military Times Hall of Valor

References
  1. U.S. Marine Corps Recipients of the Navy Cross 1916-WWI, Citations and Photos of Marine Corps Recipients of the Navy Cross in World War I, C. Douglas Sterner, compiler and editor, p. 61, in print, made available on line as PDF file 02_NCwwi by HomeofHeroes.com, P.O. Box 122, Pueblo, CO 81005
  2. U.S. War Dept. General Order 20 (1919)
  3. General Orders, Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, both 1918, but for separate actions with one for action at Chateau-Thierry, France June 6 to 10, 1918 and the other for action at Mont Blanc, France October 1 to 10, 1918
  4. again, U.S. Marine Corps Recipients of the Navy Cross 1916-WWI, Citations and Photos of Marine Corps Recipients of the Navy Cross in World War I, C. Douglas Sterner, compiler and editor, p. 61, in print, made available on line as PDF file 02_NCwwi by HomeofHeroes.com, P.O. Box 122, Pueblo, CO 81005
  5. Clark, George B. Decorated marines of the Forth Brigade in WWI © 2007: Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co., p. 228 ISBN 978-0-7864-2826-7
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