In March 1899 Ensign Monaghan, onboard Philadelphia, was sent to the troubled Samoan Islands. On April 1, while serving ashore with a combined unit of British, Americans and Samoans, his force was ambushed by another group of rebel Samoans. When his unit's leader, Lieutenant Philip Lansdale, was wounded, Ensign Monaghan seized a rifle and attempted to rescue the injured officer.
The official report of the action stated: "The men were not in sufficient numbers to hold out any longer, and they were forced along by a fire which it was impossible to withstand. Ensign Monaghan did stand. He stood steadfast by his wounded superior and friend. One rifle against many. One brave man against a score. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in heroic performance of duty."
Two ships, USS Monaghan, have been named for him.∼Engign US Navy Killed in the Samoan Civil War of 1898-1899. of the Ship USFS Philadelphia.
In March 1899 Ensign Monaghan, onboard Philadelphia, was sent to the troubled Samoan Islands. On April 1, while serving ashore with a combined unit of British, Americans and Samoans, his force was ambushed by another group of rebel Samoans. When his unit's leader, Lieutenant Philip Lansdale, was wounded, Ensign Monaghan seized a rifle and attempted to rescue the injured officer.
The official report of the action stated: "The men were not in sufficient numbers to hold out any longer, and they were forced along by a fire which it was impossible to withstand. Ensign Monaghan did stand. He stood steadfast by his wounded superior and friend. One rifle against many. One brave man against a score. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in heroic performance of duty."
Two ships, USS Monaghan, have been named for him.∼Engign US Navy Killed in the Samoan Civil War of 1898-1899. of the Ship USFS Philadelphia.
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