Patrick Murphy

Patrick Murphy (January 15, 1823 – December 1, 1896) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Mobile Bay. A native of Ireland, Murphy began his seafaring career as a teenager aboard merchant ships in the North Atlantic and served for two years in the Royal Navy. He joined the U.S. Navy after settling in Erie, Pennsylvania, and sailed the Great Lakes as a petty officer on . During the American Civil War, he served aboard and distinguished himself in the action at Mobile Bay. He returned to Erie and USS Michigan after the war, continuing on that ship for twenty more years until retiring as a warrant officer.

Early years Murphy was born on January 15, 1823, in Waterford, Ireland, the son of produce dealer James Murphy (1786–1861) and his wife Ellen Murphy (née Mansfield). He had four siblings: James, Mary, John, and William. At age 14 he began a three-year term as a boy seaman aboard merchant ships sailing to North America. He then joined the Royal Navy, serving two years on the Great Lakes on board .