Christopher Brennan (sailor)

Christopher Brennan (born 1832, date of death unknown) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

Biopgraphy
Born in 1832 in Ireland, Brennan immigrated to the United States and was living in Boston when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Civil War as a seaman on the USS Colorado (1856). At the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip near New Orleans on April 24, 1862, he joined the USS Mississippi (1841) and manned one of that ship's guns through the engagement. His commanding officer stated that he "was the life and soul of the gun's crew." For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later on July 10, 1863.

Brennan's official Medal of Honor citation reads: "On board the U.S.S. Mississippi during attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and during the taking of New Orleans, 24–25 April 1862. Taking part in the actions which resulted in the damaging of the Mississippi and several casualties on it, Brennan showed skill and courage throughout the entire engagements which resulted in the taking of St. Philip and Jackson and in the surrender of New Orleans."