Michael Gibbons

On episode three hundred and seventy-six, the story of Michael Gibbons is told. All stories in January and February will be recipients from the Spanish-American War. Check out new swag available where 50% of profits get donated to the Medal of Honor Museum: https://bit.ly/TOHswag Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com.

Michael was born in Ireland on the 15th of November, 1866 and he joined the US Navy shortly after immigrating to the States. He was an Oiler when he was deployed in support of the Spanish-American War and it was his actions during the Battle of Cienfuegos that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfugos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Gibbons set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Michael received his Medal of Honor on the 7th of July, 1899, left the Navy, and lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. He resided in the US for thirty-five years before returning home to Ireland where he died on the 27th of February, 1933. Michael Gibbons was 66 years old when he died and his grave, Plot 80, in the Old Kilmeena Cemetery in Kilmenna, Ireland was unmarked until 1999.