John Coleman
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

John Coleman was born on 9 October 1847 in County Cork, Ireland.

On 11 June 1871, then-Private Coleman was serving on the USS Colorado during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

On 8 February 1872, Private John Coleman was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 11 June 1871.

Medal of Honor:

Rank and organization. Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 9 October 1847, Ireland. Accredited to: California. G.O. No. 169, 8 February 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado in action at Korea on 11 June 1871. Fighting hand-to-hand with the enemy, Coleman succeeded in saving the life of Alexander McKenzie.