John Brosnan

Sergeant John Brosnan (July 1, 1846 – August 7, 1921 ) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Brosnan received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Second Battle of Petersburg in Virginia on July 17, 1864. He was awarded the medal on January 18, 1894.

Biography John Brosnan was born in Ireland on July 1, 1846. He enlisted as a private in the 164th New York Infantry on August 2, 1862. The 164th New York Infantry, along with the 155th New York Infantry, 170th New York Infantry, 175th New York Infantry, and 182nd New York Infantry, formed a brigade of Irish soldiers known as Corcoran's Legion. He was discharged from service in February 1865 due to his injuries.

After the war, Brosnan resided in New York. He died on August 7, 1921, and was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.

Medal of Honor citation