Crimean War Victoria Cross Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the 44th of Foot, Essex Regiment, British Army. At Sebastopol, Russia, October 20, 1854, Sergeant McWheeney with a party of his Regiment were held to cover while being repulsed from enemy sharpshooters. When a fellow comrade of his unit was dangerously wounded, Sergeant McWheeney took the wounded man on his back and carried him to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On December 5, 1854, under fire Sergeant McWheeney saved the life of a Corporal, when he dug a slight cover with his bayonet, where the two of them remained until he carried his comrade out to safety after dark. In June 1855, Sergeant McWheeney volunteered for an advanced guard unit at a cemetery in which fellow fallen veterans were buried in near enemy territory and he was never absent from post. For most prestigious bravery in the face of the enemy, he was the first Essex Regiment member to be awarded the Victoria Cross on February 24, 1857.
Crimean War Victoria Cross Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the 44th of Foot, Essex Regiment, British Army. At Sebastopol, Russia, October 20, 1854, Sergeant McWheeney with a party of his Regiment were held to cover while being repulsed from enemy sharpshooters. When a fellow comrade of his unit was dangerously wounded, Sergeant McWheeney took the wounded man on his back and carried him to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On December 5, 1854, under fire Sergeant McWheeney saved the life of a Corporal, when he dug a slight cover with his bayonet, where the two of them remained until he carried his comrade out to safety after dark. In June 1855, Sergeant McWheeney volunteered for an advanced guard unit at a cemetery in which fellow fallen veterans were buried in near enemy territory and he was never absent from post. For most prestigious bravery in the face of the enemy, he was the first Essex Regiment member to be awarded the Victoria Cross on February 24, 1857.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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