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New Cathedral Cemetery

Born:  May 06, 1844 at Ireland

Entered Service in the US Navy from Baltimore, MD

DOUBLE RECIPIENT of the Medal of Honor
Earned FIRST Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism March 17, 1865  at Mattox Creek, VA
Earned SECOND Medal of Honor During Peace Time For heroism June 29, 1865  off the coast of Virginia

First Award
On March 17, 1865 the USS Wyandank made an expedition up Mattox Creek in Virginia. A boat crew was dispatched to clear the creek in the face of the heavy enemy fire, so intense it cut away half of the landing boat's oars, pierced the wooden boat's side in several places, and even cut through the barrel of a musket being fired back at the enemy soldiers. Aboard the Wyandank which was under heavy enemy fire from the shore as well, Boatswain's Mate Patrick Mullen lay on his back to load and fire the howitzer. His daring and accuracy resulted in heavy casualties to the Confederate soldiers, and resulted in their retreat. (Others Involved in this Action: Aaron Sanderson)
Second Award
On May 1, 1865 the Picket Launch No. 6 swamped off the coast of Virginia, prompting an immediate rescue effort by the USS Don. As the crew of the Don proceeded to pick up the men of the swamped picket boat, Boatswain's Mate Patrick Mullen noticed an officer of that boat, too exhausted to continue to swim and already below the surface of the water. Without hesitation, BWM Mullen jumped overboard from the USS Don, swam to the floundering officer and swam with him to the USS Don. His heroic actions resulted in saving the life of an officer that would otherwise certainly have perished in the disaster.