Kearny Facts

Facts about Major General Philip Kearny

• Nickname was "Kearny the Magnificent" while fighting for the French in Algeria

• Lost left his arm in the Mexican War

• Learned to ride a horse with the reins in his mouth

• Had the personal distinction of being the first man through the gates of Mexico City

• Rejoined the French Army and was the first US Citizen to be awarded the French Legion d'honneur

• Is credited with devising the first unit insignia patches for the US Army (evolved into modern shoulder patch)

• Killed on September 1, 1862 at Chantilly, Virginia after the Second Battle of Bull Run

• Only US soldier with an equestrian statue in Arlington National Cemetery

• One of two New Jersey statues in the US Capital is of Gen. Kearny

• Fort Phil Kearny was named after him (site of Fetterman Fight)

• Was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2017