Thomas Francis Prendergast
Encyclopedia
Thomas Francis Prendergast or Pendegrast (2 April 1871, Waterford, Ireland – 26 April 1913, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor
for his United States Marine Corps
service in the Philippine-American War
.
in 1893.
As a Corporal, Prendergast was one of three Marines attached to the VIII Corps
, involved in the jungle fighting against the insurgent forces of Emilio Aguinaldo
. In his Medal of Honor citation, he was cited for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle" for actions on March 25, 27, and 29 and April 5, 1899. In this period, American forces cleared the insurgents from the vicinity of Manila
and captured the rebel capital of Malolos, forcing Aguinaldo's command northward into the mountains. His Medal of Honor was awarded on July 19, 1901.
The other men awarded Medals of Honor for these actions were Private Howard Major Buckley
and Private Joseph Leonard
.
Prendergast is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia
. His grave, which had long been unmarked, received a gravestone in 2004, with military honors.
Citation:
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
service in the Philippine-American War
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
.
Military service
He entered service in the Marine Corps from MassachusettsMassachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
in 1893.
As a Corporal, Prendergast was one of three Marines attached to the VIII Corps
VIII Corps (PE)
The VIII Corps was formed on June 21, 1898 to provide a ground contingent to exploit Admiral Dewey's success in defeating the Spanish fleet in Manila harbor...
, involved in the jungle fighting against the insurgent forces of Emilio Aguinaldo
Emilio Aguinaldo
Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy was a Filipino general, politician, and independence leader. He played an instrumental role during the Philippines' revolution against Spain, and the subsequent Philippine-American War or War of Philippine Independence that resisted American occupation...
. In his Medal of Honor citation, he was cited for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle" for actions on March 25, 27, and 29 and April 5, 1899. In this period, American forces cleared the insurgents from the vicinity of Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
and captured the rebel capital of Malolos, forcing Aguinaldo's command northward into the mountains. His Medal of Honor was awarded on July 19, 1901.
The other men awarded Medals of Honor for these actions were Private Howard Major Buckley
Howard Major Buckley
Howard Major Buckley , was a United States Marine private received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine–American War. He was one of three Marines attached to the VIII Corps for the Insurrection...
and Private Joseph Leonard
Joseph Leonard
Joseph Leonard was a United States Marine private received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine–American War.He is buried in Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery Yountville, California....
.
Prendergast is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia
Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia
Greenwood Cemetery is a historic cemetery in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.-History:...
. His grave, which had long been unmarked, received a gravestone in 2004, with military honors.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: April 2, 1871, Waterford, Ireland. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 55 July 19, 1901.Citation:
For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in battle while with the Eighth Army Corps, 25, 27, March 29, and April 5, 1899.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Philippine–American War Medal of Honor recipients