Harry L. MacNeal

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Harry Lewis MacNeal
March 22, 1875(1875-03-22) – March 13, 1950 (aged 74)

Harry L. MacNeal while a US Marine
Place of birth Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Place of death Clifton, New Jersey
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1896-1901
Rank Corporal
Unit USS Brooklyn (CA-3)
Battles/wars Spanish-American War
*Battle of Santiago de Cuba
Awards Medal of Honor

Harry L. MacNeal (March 22, 1875[1] – March 13, 1950) was a United States Marine who was a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He was one of fifteen Marines, all enlisted men, to receive the Medal of Honor during the war,[2] and the only Marine Corps recipient for this particular battle.

Contents

[edit] Military service

A Philadelphia native, MacNeal enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Philadelphia on November 16, 1896. During the Spanish-American War, he was stationed on the armored cruiser USS Brooklyn, which served as the flagship of Commodore Winfield Scott Schley during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898. This was the largest naval engagement of the war.

During the five hour battle, one of the Brooklyn's guns became jammed. Two other men attempted, but failed to clear it. MacNeal then volunteered to clear the shell with a hand rammer. He had to crawl along the gun's barrel and expose himself to "murderous fire from the enemy batteries"[3], in addition to having to contend with the blasts from the forward turret, which nearly knocked him overboard. However he succeeded in his task and "resumed his duties as coolly as if what he had done were a matter of everyday routine".[4] The American fleet sustained casualties of only two dead, one of whom was on the Brooklyn, and about 100 wounded. The entire Spanish Caribbean Squadron of six ships was lost, sustaining 474 casualties.

MacNeal received the Medal of Honor on August 9, 1899, almost a year to the day after the war ended. He was discharged from the Marines on December 26, 1901, but reenlisted. However he deserted on February 15, 1906, marking the end of his military career. MacNeal died on March 13, 1950, and is buried in Clifton, New Jersey.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 22 March 1875, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 526, 9 August 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, 3 July 1898. Braving the fire of the enemy, MacNeal displayed gallantry throughout this action.[5]

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ MacNeal's tombstone curiously lists his birth year as 1880. Harry L. MacNeal at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-12-19
  2. ^ Spanish American War 1898. United States Marine Corps Historical Division. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  3. ^ White (1963). Pioneer and Patriot: George Cook Sweet, Commander, U.S.N., 1877-1953, 22. 
  4. ^ General Order No. 526. Navy Department (1899-08-09). Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
  5. ^ Medal of Honor Recipients - War With Spain. Indian Wars. U.S. Army Center of Military History (2007-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-08-07.

[edit] References

  • White, Lillian C. (1963). Pioneer and Patriot: George Cook Sweet, Commander, U.S.N., 1877-1953. Delray Beach, FL: The Southern Publishing Co..