The First One!

 Ok, so a bit of a change of pace.  Yes...Still Medal of Honor related (there is a LOT of history in those stories), but I'd always wondered who was the FIRST? And how do you define "First", First one awarded or received for actions in the earliest battle the Medal was awarded for.  

Given my absolute love for gummint bureaucracies, I'm gonna go with the latter as my definition of FIRST. 

So, here we go. 

 

 

This distinguished gentleman is Bernard J. D. Irwin of the US Army.  No, he wasn't Cavalry nor Infantry, rather he was a Doctor.  But...his story is no less riveting.  So.  Here we go.

 

Dr. Irwin was an Army Surgeon in Arizona during the Apache Wars.  

 

 His most notable action occurred on February 13–14, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, where he volunteered to lead a small relief force on a perilous 100-mile mule march through a blizzard to rescue Second Lieutenant George N. Bascom and 60 encircled soldiers from the 7th Infantry, who were besieged by superior Chiricahua Apache forces under Cochise; Irwin's tactical engagement defeated the attackers, recovered stolen livestock, and liberated a kidnapped boy.(6)

 

 

While this action took place  in February 1861 before the Civil War and before the Medal of Honor was created those actions described above were the actions for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 24, 1894. 

 Citation for the Award of the Medal of Honor to Dr. Bernard J. D. Irwin

 

 

 Citation

On this day in 1861, Bernard J.D. Irwin went above and beyond the call of duty while serving our nation during the Indian Campaigns, for which he would later receive the Medal of Honor. Surgeon Irwin voluntarily assumed command of a group of troops and led a successful attack against hostile Indians encountered along the way. This initial engagement showcased his willingness to take charge and his tactical abilities. Further demonstrating his bravery, Irwin volunteered for a perilous rescue mission. 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, and 60 men were trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians and recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege. Irwin's timely arrival and assistance were instrumental in breaking the siege and saving the trapped soldiers. Preserving stories like Irwin’s is essential—not only to honor their sacrifice but to inspire future generations with examples of valor, integrity, and service. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is committed to ensuring these incredible acts of bravery are never forgotten and continue to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for our nation.

Sources 

1 https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/bernard-j-irwin

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_J._D._Irwin 

3 https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-275/ 

4 https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/this-day-history-feb-13-1861-army-surgeon-jd-irwin-rescues-60-men-medal-honor 

5 https://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/upLoads/library_Irwin-Bernard-John-Dowling.pdf 

6 https://grokipedia.com/page/bernard_j_d_irwin