Patrick Murphy (Medal of Honor)
| Patrick Murphy | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 15, 1823 Waterford, Ireland |
| Died | December 1, 1896 (aged 73) Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | Trinity Cemetery, Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom United States
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1840–1842 (UK) 1844–1885 (USA) |
| Rank | Boatswain (warrant officer) |
| Unit |
HMS Montreal USS Michigan USS Metacomet |
| Battles/wars |
American Civil War • Battle of Mobile Bay |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
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 the USS Michigan. During the American Civil War, he served aboard the USS Metacomet and distinguished himself in the action at Mobile Bay. He returned to Erie and the USS Michigan after the war, continuing on that ship for twenty more years until retiring as a warrant officer.
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 HMS Montreal.
In 1842, Murphy settled in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he helped outfit the newly built ship Michigan. When the ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as the USS Michigan on September 26, 1844, Murphy followed it into the service. He sailed aboard Michigan as a quartermaster for three years, then two years as a captain of the hold, and was subsequently promoted to quarter gunner, boatswain's mate, and, in 1861, acting master's mate. Later in 1861 he left Michigan and joined Admiral David Dixon Porter's fleet as an acting ensign, serving for eight months until illness forced him to return home to Erie for three months of recuperation.
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