Michael Joseph McNally
Michael Joseph McNally (June 29, 1860 – November 2, 1916) was a United States Marine Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Second Samoan Civil War. McNally was part of a joint British, American and Samoan expedition against Samoan rebels on Upolu, Samoa in mid-1899. He fought at the First Battle of Vailele on April 1, 1899 and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor along with Private Henry L. Hulbert. Both McNally's and Hulbert's citations incorrectly list them as serving in the Philippines during the time of their distinguished service though they served on USS Philadelphia (C-4), which was never dispatched to fight in the Philippine–American War.
Michael Joseph McNally | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 29, 1860 Manhattan, New York |
| Died | November 2, 1916 (aged 56) Chesapeake Bay |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1897 – 1915 |
| Rank |  Sergeant Major |
| Battles/wars | Second Samoan Civil War • First Battle of Vailele |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
McNally joined the Marine Corps from Mare Island, California in December 1897, and retired in January 1915.[1] On the night of 1 and 2 November 1916, he disappeared from a Baltimore Steam Packet Company steamer; his body was recovered some three weeks later, and he was buried in Portsmouth, Virginia [2]
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: June 29, 1860, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: California. G.O. No.: 55, July 19, 1901.
Citation:
For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy at Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
See also
References
- USMC History Division
- Find a Grave
Note
McNally is sometimes erroneously referred to as Michael L. McNally.