June 10th, 1871 - Medal of Honor history

On this date in 1871, during the Korean Expedition, the Battle of Ganghwa took place between local defenders and US Navy and Marine forces. Wikipedia has a brief description of the battle. More information from US Navy and Marine Corps archives may be found here and here.

US Marines and Navy personnel on the ramparts of Fort Deokjin (later renamed
Fort Monocacy) after capturing it, June 10th, 1871 (image courtesy of Wikipedia)

It was the first combat operation outside the borders of the United States in which the Medal of Honor was awarded, with fifteen of those present earning this accolade. Prior to this date, the MoH had been awarded for actions during the Civil War, and for a few engagements with Native American tribes on the Western frontier.

Korean casualties in Fort Sondolmok, June 10th, 1871 (image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Of course, in 1871 most of the decorations for valor in action currently issued by the US armed forces (e.g. the Bronze Star, Silver Star, etc.) had not yet been introduced. The MoH was effectively the only medal awarded for such conduct. Thus, the fact that fifteen were granted for a relatively minor skirmish such as this doesn't necessarily mean that all those who were awarded them exhibited the same degree of courage that would be expected of later honorees. Nevertheless, their actions were undoubtedly courageous, and deserved recognition according to the standards of the day.

USS Monocacy tows the boats of the assault force back to the ships of the
US Navy's Asiatic Squadron, June 10th, 1871 (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

1871 was thus the start of US combat involvement on the Korean peninsula. The amphibious assault on Ganghwa Island took place only twelve miles south of what is today the city of Inchon, scene of another (much more famous) US amphibious landing almost eight decades later. 136 more Medals of Honor would be awarded to US servicemen for heroism during the Korean War.

Today, 140 years after the Battle of Ganghwa, US forces are still in Korea, allied with one half of the peninsula against the other half. There's a certain historical irony there . . .

Peter