Richard J. Curran

Who was Richard J. Curran?

Richard J. Curran was an Irish-American surgeon, army officer and U.S. Republican Party politician. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War. He was born in the town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland.

Curran immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1850, and attended Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1859. At the start of the Civil War, he helped raise two volunteer companies from Seneca Falls, New York, and joined the 33rd New York Infantry in May 1861, becoming an assistant surgeon in August 1862. He would receive the Medal of Honor for the Battle of Antietam, where he was the regiment's only medical officer present in the field. When the 33rd New York was mustered out in June 1863, he joined the 6th New York Cavalry, and subsequently became the 9th New York Cavalry, serving as the latter's regimental surgeon until the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House.

Following the war, Curran opened a pharmacy in Rochester, New York, where he also participated in local politics.