Patrick Mullen, an Irish immigrant, was born on May 6, 1844, in Ireland. He later emigrated to the United States and served in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. Mullen distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism, earning two Medals of Honor. His first award was for actions aboard the USS Wyandank during an engagement at Mattox Creek, Virginia, on March 17, 1865. His second Medal of Honor was awarded for his bravery on May 1, 1865, while serving as a boatswain's mate on the USS Don, where he helped rescue the crew of a swamped picket launch.
