IRWIN, BERNARD J. D.
Rank and organization: Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army. Place and
date: Apache Pass, Ariz., 13-14 February 1861. Entered service at: New York.
Born: 24 June 1830, Ireland. Date of issue: 24 January
1894.
Rank and organization: Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army. Place and
date: Apache Pass, Ariz., 13-14 February 1861. Entered service at: New York.
Born: 24 June 1830, Ireland. Date of issue: 24 January
1894.
Citation:
Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated
hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt.
George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, who with 60 men was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under
Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses began the 100-mile march riding mules. After
fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's
column and help break his siege.
