Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting on August 23, 1861. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the Naval Assault on Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia, on May 15, 1862. His citation reads “On board the U.S.S. Galena in the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry’s Bluff, James River, on 15 May 1862. As enemy shellfire raked the deck of his ship, Corporal Mackie fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits along the shore and, when ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, manned the weapons with skill and courage”. When his Medal was issued to him on July 10, 1863 he became the first member of the Marine Corps to be awarded the Medal of Honor. However, since he was on active duty at the time (serving in Sabine Pass in Texas on board the USS Seminole), his Medal came to him via the Postal Service. He served until his honorable discharge in August 24, 1865, having served four full years in the Corps. Today a Marker stands near the spot in the Richmond National Battlefield Park where Corporal Mackie performed his brave act.
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting on August 23, 1861. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the Naval Assault on Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia, on May 15, 1862. His citation reads “On board the U.S.S. Galena in the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry’s Bluff, James River, on 15 May 1862. As enemy shellfire raked the deck of his ship, Corporal Mackie fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits along the shore and, when ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, manned the weapons with skill and courage”. When his Medal was issued to him on July 10, 1863 he became the first member of the Marine Corps to be awarded the Medal of Honor. However, since he was on active duty at the time (serving in Sabine Pass in Texas on board the USS Seminole), his Medal came to him via the Postal Service. He served until his honorable discharge in August 24, 1865, having served four full years in the Corps. Today a Marker stands near the spot in the Richmond National Battlefield Park where Corporal Mackie performed his brave act.
Bio by: RPD2
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