Coughlan was 28 years old, and a Colour Sergeant in the 75th Regiment of Foot (later The Gordon Highlanders), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following action took place on 8 June and 18 July 1857 at Delhi, British India for which he was awarded the VC: For gallantly venturing, under a heavy fire, with three others, into a Serai occupied by the Enemy in great numbers, and removing Private Corbett, 75th Regiment, who lay severely wounded.

For having also, on the same occasion, returned under a cross fire to collect dhoolies, and carry off the wounded; a service which was successfully performed, and for which this man obtained great praise from the Officers of his Regiment.

[1] Queen Victoria wrote a personal letter to Coughlan after hearing about his acts of bravery.

[citation needed] Coughlan returned from India to serve for two decades in the Connaught Rangers in Ireland achieving the rank of sergeant-major.

[citation needed] He died in Westport, County Mayo on 14 February 1915 and is buried locally in Aughavale Cemetery near Murrisk.