John O'Neal (c. 1841âÂÂafter 1872) was an Irish-born United States Navy sailor who received the Medal of Honor for heroism on April 12, 1872. He was stationed aboard the USS Kansas as a Boatswain's Mate when, on April 12, 1872, several members of the crew including the expedition commander were drowning near Greytown, Nicaragua.
The men who drowned were<br />Commander Alexander Foster Crosman, commanding expedition, his body not recovered<br />Master Alfred Foree, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered<br />Cockswain William Walker, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered<br />Ordinary Seaman Emil Birgfield, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered<br />Ordinary Seaman William Arkwright, attached to the Kansas, his body not recovered<br />Ordinary Seaman James Eley, attached to the Kansas, his body recovered on April 13, 1872
<blockquote> Serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas, O'Neal displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by personal exertion prevented greater loss of life.</blockquote>