John Cunningham (VC 1917)
John Cunningham , (22 October 1890 – 16 April 1917) was a British soldier during the First World War, an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Details. Cunningham, born in Thurles, County Tipperary on 22 October 1890, was one of two sons of Johanna and Joseph Cunningham. He was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, when he performed a deed on 12 April 1917 at  Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France, which earned him the Victoria Cross. Cunningham later died as a result of his injuries. He is buried in Barlin cemetery, Pas de Calais, plot 1, row A, grave 39. The Medal. His medals are on loan to the Imperial War Museum in London. References. Listed in order of publication year