Patrick J. Regan

Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War I

Second Lieutenant Patrick J. Regan (25 March 1882 - 30 October 1943) was a U.S. Army officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War I.

Patrick J. Regan was born in Middleboro, MA, on 25 March 1882. He entered into service with the Army from Los Angeles, CA.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 115th Infantry, 29th Division.

Place and date: Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, 8 October 1918.

Citation: While leading his platoon against a strong enemy machinegun nest which had held up the advance of 2 companies, 2d Lt. Regan divided his men into 3 groups, sending 1 group to either flank, and he himself attacking with an automatic rifle team from the front. Two of the team were killed outright, while 2d Lt. Regan and the third man were seriously wounded, the latter unable to advance. Although severely wounded, 2d Lt. Regan dashed with empty pistol into the machinegun nest, capturing 30 Austrian gunners and 4 machineguns. This gallant deed permitted the companies to advance, avoiding a terrific enemy fire. Despite his wounds, he continued to lead his platoon forward until ordered to the rear by his commanding officer.

Death and Burial

Second Lieutenant Patrick J. Regan died on 30 October 1943. He is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Bloomfield, NJ.