John J. Nolan was born in Ireland on June 24, 1844, and later settled in Nashua, New Hampshire. In 1862, at just 18 years old, he enlisted in the Union Army and was assigned to Company K of the 8th New Hampshire Infantry.

On October 27, 1862, during the Battle of Georgia Landing in Louisiana, Nolan carried the regimental colors at the head of his unit. In the thick of combat, he was struck down by the force of a cannon shot. Though prostrated by the blow, he refused to relinquish the flag. Rising again, he carried it forward through the fight, rallying his regiment and inspiring those around him.

For his extraordinary courage, Nolan was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 3, 1897. He later attained the rank of Second Lieutenant. Nolan passed away in 1912 and is buried at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.