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Irish America

Medal of Honor

Vietnam’s First Medal of Honor Recipient

By Mary Cucinell
IA Newsletter, February 10, 2024

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Captain Roger H.C. Donlon was the first person to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Nam Dong on July 6, 1964. Roger Hugh Charles Donlon, first Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam War, died on January 28, 2024. He was 89. Born on January 30, 1934, Donlon recalled his early life in an interview saying," I was blessed to be born into an Irish Catholic family in … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s First Medal of Honor Recipient

“Wild Bill” Donovan: Irish-American War Hero and Superspy

By Geoffrey Cobb, Contributor
May / June 2019

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“Wild Bill“ Donovan had many fascinating friends, including Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond – the fictional, globe-trotting superspy. Donovan’s real-life feats, however, surpassed even Bond’s wildest exploits. Perhaps no other Irish American served his country more daringly, yet Donovan’s largely clandestine service to America is still greatly under-appreciated. Born in … [Read more...] about “Wild Bill” Donovan: Irish-American War Hero and Superspy

Normandy

By John Fay, Contributor

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An Irish American takes a family trip to Normandy’s WWII battle site. June marks the anniversary of the D-Day landings when the United States and her allies, primarily Britain and Canada, launched the air and sea assault on Nazi-occupied France that marked the beginning of the long eastward march to Berlin and the end of the Second World War. Starting on June 6, 1944, thousands … [Read more...] about Normandy

Proudly We Serve

By Bob Lydon, Contributor
October / November 2004

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September 11 has become this generation's "Day of Infamy." The terrorist attacks forever changed the way we live, and have made our daily lives more difficult. A secure environment can no longer be presumed. Some post 9/11 changes, however, have been positive. Is there anyone who doesn't now have a greater appreciation for our police and firefighters, or greater respect for … [Read more...] about Proudly We Serve

Flatley Receives Medal of Honor

By Julia McAvoy Gottlieb, Contributor
August / September 2004

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Lord of the Dance and Irish America's Irish-American of the year for 2003 Michael Flatley was awarded with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a gala ceremony on May 15, 2004 at Ellis Island. Chairman of the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) Denis Fugazy said, "The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Awards allow us an opportunity to honor the best in America -- those … [Read more...] about Flatley Receives Medal of Honor