Patrick Shanahan – Lieutenant, United States Navy

by

Born on November 6, 1867 in Ireland. He earned the Medal of Honor on May 28, 1899 while serving as a Mate, USN, aboard the USS Alliance.

He died on December 7, 1937 and was buried in Section 7 of Arlington National Cemetery.

SHANAHAN, PATRICK

Rank and organization: Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 6 November 1867, Ireland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 534, 29 November 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Alliance, 28 May 1899. Displaying heroism, Shanahan rescued William Steven, quartermaster, first class, from drowning.

PATRICK SHANAHAN, NAVAL LIEUTENANT
Retired Officer, 70, Who Rose From Ranks In 30 Years Of Service, Dies
Earned Medal of Honor
Served Against Spain And In World War
Painter of Sea and Ship Scenes

NEW YORK, New York December 9, 1937 – Lieutenant Patrick Channahon, United States Navy, retired, holder of the Medal of Honor for heroism and a veteran of the World and Spanish-American Wars, died of a heart attack on Tuesday (December 7, 1937) in his home, 7501 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn.  His age was 70.

A native of Ireland, Lieutenant Shanahan began his long sea career as a seaman on merchant sailing ships.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in it for more than thirty years, rising from the ranks to become an officer.

About thirty-five years ago, when he was aboard a United States naval vessel in the South Seas, a shipmate fell overboard into shark-infester waters.  Lieutenant Shanahan, at great peril to himself, dived after him and saved his life.  For this act he received the Medal of Honor.

In the World War he was engaged in the hazardous duty of mine laying un the North Sea, the North Atlantic and other waters.  He retired on September 1, 1922.

After his retirement he engaged more actively in his hobby of painting sea and ship scenes.  He also carved ship models. For a time he studied art here.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary Shanahan, and three brothers, Deputy Chief Inspector of Police Thomas Shanahan of Auckland, New Zealand, and Daniel and Dennis Shanahan, also of Auckland.

pshanah

SHANAHAN, PATRICK

  • LT   US NAVY
  • WORLD WAR I
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 11/06/1867
  • DATE OF DEATH: 12/07/1937
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 7  SITE 10295
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

SHANAHAN, MARY A

  • LT   US NAVY
  • WORLD WAR I
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 08/11/1875
  • DATE OF DEATH: 12/06/1949
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 7  SITE 10295 NH
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Read our general and most popular articles

Leave a Comment

error: