Richard J. Curran

Richard J. Curran (January 4, 1838 – June 1, 1915) was an Irish-American surgeon, army officer and U.S. Republican Party politician. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War. He was born in the town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland.

Richard J. Curran
Born(1838-01-04)January 4, 1838
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
DiedJune 1, 1915(1915-06-01) (aged 77)
Rochester, New York
Place of burial
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861 - 1865
RankAssistant Surgeon
UnitNew York (state) 33rd New York Volunteer Infantry
New York (state) 9th New York Cavalry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
Seven Days' Battles
Battle of Antietam
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Chancellorsville
AwardsMedal of Honor
Other worklawyer, judge, politician

Curran immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1850, and attended Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1859. At the start of the Civil War, he helped raise two volunteer companies (designated A company & K company) from Seneca Falls, New York, and joined the 33rd New York Infantry in May 1861, becoming an assistant surgeon in August 1862. He would receive the Medal of Honor for the Battle of Antietam, where he was the regiment's only medical officer present in the field. When the 33rd New York was mustered out in June 1863, he joined the 6th New York Cavalry, and subsequently became the 9th New York Cavalry, serving as the latter's regimental surgeon until the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House.

Following the war, Curran opened a pharmacy in Rochester, New York, where he also participated in local politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1891, serving in 1892, and subsequently became Mayor of Rochester, New York in 1892, serving a two-year term. He was a companion of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

He was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Assistant Surgeon, 33rd New York Infantry. Place and date: Antietam, Md., 17 September 1862. Entered service at: Seneca Falls, N.Y. Born: 4 January 1838, Ireland. Date of issue: 30 March 1898.

Voluntarily exposed himself to great danger by going to the fighting line there succoring the wounded and helpless and conducting them to the field hospital.

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