Indian Campaigns - U.S. Army

Bernard John dowling Irwin

• Rank: Assistant Surgeon (Highest Rank: Brigadier General)
• Conflict/Era: Indian Campaigns
• Unit/Command:
  7th U.S. Infantry
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
• Medal of Honor Action Date: February 13, 1861
• Medal of Honor Action Place: Apache Pass, Arizona, USA

Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surg. Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, who with 60 men was 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, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege.