USMC MOH: John Rannahan Traditional Cache

Established early in the Civil War to "promote efficiency in the Navy", the Medal of Honor rose to prominence in American history and heritage.  Only slightly more than 3,500 Americans have been awarded Medals of Honor, and today only 78 of them survive.  These heroes are a vanishing breed whose valiant history MUST be preserved for future generations.  That heritage is nurtured and sustained on the ground floor of the Hall of Heroes.

This series is to honor the Heroes of the United States Marine Corps who have been awarded the Nation’s highest military honor since its inception.  This series is placed along a bike trail.  DO NOT access these caches from the road.   These caches are placed between the trail and the roadway.

The President of the United States
in the name of
The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to

 

RANNAHAN. JOHN

Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1836, County of Monahan, Ireland. Accredited To: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Cpl. Rannahan advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two-thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.