US Civil War (April 12 Canadian Congressional Medal of ...€¦ · Stanton Guards Michigan Infantry Regiment 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment [1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal

Name: Charles Asten

Born: September 14, 1834 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Died: September 14, 1885 (age 51) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Buried: Saint Francis Cemetery in Providence County, Rhode Island.

Allegiance: United States of America

Years of Service: Unknown

Rank: Quarter Gunner

Battles / Wars:

•Red River Campaign

GBM Fact SheetUS Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)

Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Grays & Blues of Montrealwww.graysandbluesofmontreal.com

Service / Branch: United States Navy (UnionNavy)Served on the gunboat USS Signal

[2] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients ‐ (A‐L)". U.S. Army Center of Military History. Retrieved 25 December 2010.

Action: Born Michael Charles Asten, he served under his middle name[1] . His official citation reads: ""Served on board the U.S.S. Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864. Proceeding up the Red River, the U.S.S. Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the Federal ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was raised. Although on the sick list, Q.G. Asten courageously carried out his duties during the entire engagement.".[2]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

[1] Smith, Myron J. (2009). Tinclads in the Civil War: Union Light‐Draught Gunboat Operations on Western Waters, 1862‐

1865. McFarland. p. 221. ISBN 978‐0‐7864‐3579‐1.

Name: Frank Bois (or Boise)

Born: September 13, 1841 in Quebec, Canada

Died: January 25, 1920 (aged 78) in Orting, Washington

Buried: Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Seattle, Washington


Years of Service: 1861 -1862 US Army

Years of Service: 1862 -1863 US Navy

Rank: Private - US Army

Rank: Quartermaster - US Navy

Battles /•Siege of Vicksburg




Service / Branch: United States Armed Forces (Union)

[2] "Bois, Frank". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 20 September 2013.

[1] "Civil War (A–L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 20 September 2013.

Action: His official citation reads: "Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by enemy shellfire that her fate was sealed. Conspicuously cool in making signals throughout the battle, Bois, after all the Cincinnati's staffs had been shot away, succeeded in nailing the flag to the stump of the forestaff to enable this proud ship to go down, "with her colors nailed to the mast.".[1][2]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: John Harties Brown

Born: 1834 in New Brunswick, Canada

Died: January 30, 1905 (aged 71), location unknown

Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia


Years of Service: 1861 -1865

Rank: Captain

Battles / Wars:

• Second Battle of Franklin




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)12th Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company "D"

[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 5 October 2013.

Action: During the Second Battle of Franklin in Tennessee on 30 November 1864, he took a Confederate Flag for which he was honored with the award on 13 February 1865. His official citation reads: "Capture of flag".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Denis (or Dennis) Buckley

Born: 1844 in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada

Died: July 20, 1864 (aged 20) Georgia

Buried: Marietta National Cemetery


Years of Service: August 1862 - July 1864

Rank: Private

Battles / Wars: Battle of Peachtree Creek




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)136th New York Infantry, Company "G"

[2] "Civil War (A–L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 8 December 2013.

[1] http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/, Bart Armstrong, C.D.

Action: His story is a strange one. It is brought to us by an American historian, John DuBois, whose great grandfather fought with the 136th. He discovered the marker was incorrectly named and succeeded in having a new one made, properly named and with the citation mention. A memorial was also organized in 2007 to honor this fallen hero."While advancing on the enemy Denis used the butt of his rifle to clobber a Confederate officer who was carrying the flag of the 31st Miss. Infantry. The officer went down and Denis grabbed the flag, dropping his weapon at the same time. (It took two hands to handle the 9 ft. long shaft of the flag). Turning his back on the enemy and waving the flag at his comrades he encouraged them with screams that they can keep on coming, and that EVERY BULLET IS WORTH A COW." Those were Denis' last words. An enemy bullet struck the flagpole, bounced off and hit this Canadian soldier in the forehead killing him instantly.". [1] His official citation reads: "Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (Confederate States of America).".[2]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Of notable interest: The General Order awarding Denis Buckley hisMedal of Honor was delivered in person by the President to Denis'Mother, and was dated on 7 April 1865. [1]

Name: Ovila "Frenchy" Cayer

Born: February 9th, 1844 in Saint-Rémi, Québec, Canada

Died: February 7, 1909 (aged 64) in Salinas, California

Buried: Garden of Memories Memorial Park, Salinas, Ca


Years of Service: 1861 to 1867

Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars:

• Battle of Fredericksburg

• Battle of Gettysburg

• Battle of the Wilderness

• Battle of Globe Tavern




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)14th Infantry Regiment

Action: On August 19, 1864, Cayer participated in the Battle of Globe Tavern near Petersburg, Virginia. After assaulting and capturing a railroad junction used by the Confederates to supply the besieged city of Petersburg, his unit prepared for an expected counterattack. When the attack came, all of the officers in Company A were killed or wounded. Cayer took command of the company and led it in the successful defense of their position.[1] For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor three years later, on February 15, 1867. His official Medal of Honor citation reads simply: "Commanded the regiment, all the officers being disabled.[2]

[1] Albanese, Jim (September 7, 2009). "The Wayback Machine: Frenchy Cayer was a Civil War hero". The Salinas

Californian. Retrieved 2009‐09‐21

[2] "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History.

August 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009‐09‐15.

Name: Louis Georges Chaput

Born: 1845 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died: April 17, 1916 (aged 70–71), location unknown

Buried: Cimetière Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cemetery) in Montreal



Rank: Landsman

Battles / Wars:

•Battle of Mobile Bay




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)Served on the USS Lackawanna

[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History.

June 26, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2012.

Action: His official citation reads: "On board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Severely wounded, Chaput remained at his gun until relieved, reported to the surgeon and returned to his gun until the action was over. He was then carried below following the action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Robert J. Coffey

Born: December 15, 1842 in St. John, New Brunswick

Died: July 9, 1901 (aged 58) Montpelier, Vermont

Buried: Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier, VT


Years of Service: 1861 to 1864

Rank: Major

Battles / Wars:

• Battle of Fredericksburg

• Battle of Gettysburg

• Siege of Yorktown

• Battle of Funktown

• Battle of Salem Church

• Battle of Antietam




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)4th Vermont Infantry Regiment, Company "K"


Action: On 4 May 1863, as a Sergeant, he performed an act of bravery during the Battle of Salem Church, for which he earned a Medal of Honor. His official Medal of Honor citation reads simply: "Single-handedly captured 2 officers and 5 privates of the 8th Louisiana Regiment (Confederate States of America).[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor 29 years later, on May 13, 1892.

Name: Robert Fulton Dodd

Born: December 31, 1844 in Galt, Ontario, Canada

Died: September 14, 1903 (aged 58) in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Buried: Hillside Cemetery, Manitoba


Years of Service: May 4th 1862 - Sept. 25th 1862 (Stanton Guards)Years of Service: Feb 25th 1863 - July 30th 1865 (27th)

Rank: Private

Battles / Wars: •Battle of Vicksburg

•Battle of the Wilderness

•Battle of Spotsylvania

•Battle of Bethesda Church

•Battle of Petersburg / Battle of the Crater




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)Stanton Guards Michigan Infantry Regiment27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment

[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 16 November 2013.

Action: His official citation reads: "While acting as orderly, voluntarily assisted to carry off the wounded from the ground in front of the crater while exposed to a heavy fire.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Battle of the Crater: Advancing painstakingly over open terrain, the Yankees decided to dig a 150 Ft. long tunnel in which they placed 8,000 pounds of explosives at both ends, which they detonated, taking much of the enemy fort above. Thousands died, not only from explosions, but especially after Yankees rushed into the pit without thinking. Once in, they were trapped against the crater walls. The Rebs poured fire on them and it became a horrible slaughter; what they called a "turkey shoot". The Yankees being the turkeys. Many Canadians fought in this battle.

Name: Edward Edwin Dodds

Born: 1845 in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada

Died: January 12, 1901 (aged 55-56), location unknown

Buried: Canton Cemetery in Canton, Ontario, Canada


Years of Service: July 1863 - July 1865 (Discharged with disability)

Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars:

•Battle of Ashbys Gap in Virginia on 19 July 1864




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)21st New York Cavalry, Company "C"

[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 16 November 2013.

Action: His official citation reads: "At great personal risk rescued his wounded captain and carried him from the field to a place of safety.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Thomas Fitzpatrick

Born: 1837, Canada

Died: Date and location unknown

Buried: Location Unknown


Years of Service: 1861 - 1864

Rank: Coxswain

Battles / Wars:

•Battle of Mobile Bay




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)Served on the USS Hartford



Action: His official citation reads: "As captain of the No. 1 gun on board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford, during action against rebel gunboats, the ram Tennessee and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Although struck several times in the face by splinters, and with his gun disabled when a shell burst between the 2 forward 9-inch guns, killing and wounding 15 men, Fitzpatrick, within a few minutes, had the gun in working order again with new track, breeching and side tackle, had sent the wounded below, cleared the area of other casualties, and was fighting his gun as before. He served as an inspiration to the members of his crew and contributed to the success of the action in which the Tennessee was captured.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: William Garvin

Born: 1835, Canada





Rank: Captain of the Forecastle

Battles / Wars:

•First Battle of Fort Fisher




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)Served on the USS Agawam



Action: His official citation reads: "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Forecastle William Garvin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 23 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew again boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than two hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the fort.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Of notable interest: Another Canadian, John Neil, was also on the Agawam and was also awarded the MOH during the same battle!

Name: John Curtis Gilmore

Born: April 18, 1837 in Canada

Died: December 22, 1922, location unknown



Years of Service: 1861 - 1863, 1865 - 1901

Rank: Brigadier General

Battles / Wars:

•Second Battle of Fredericksburg




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)16th New York Infantry Regiment



Action: His official citation reads: "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major John Curtis Gilmore, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 3 May 1863, while serving with 16th New York Infantry, in action at Salem Heights, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Major Gilmore seized the colors of his regiment and gallantly rallied his men under a very severe fire.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Asel Hagerty

Born: June 30 1837 in Canada

Died: March 30 1919 (age 81) in Defiance, Ohio USA

Buried: Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, Ohio USA


Years of Service: 1864-1865

Rank: Private

Battles / Wars: •Battle of Sayler's Creek




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)61st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment

* http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/sunday‐evenings‐blogs/previous/31

[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/542/hagerty‐asel.php

Action: Asel Hagerty's name has been spelt different ways as seen on his tombstone but "Asel" was the name he signed up with. Althought his official citation only reads: ""Capture of flag."[2], Asel didn't capture any flag, already quite a feat in itself. The flag he captured on April 6th, 1865 was none other than the flag of the 4th North Carolina Infantry (pictured above), a Confederate unit with a distinguished service record. It was one of the last but proud remnants of the Army of North Virginia to fire the final shots at Appomattox where Lee surrendered his army on April 9th of the same year. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Thomas J. Higgins

Born: June 8, 1831 in Huntingdon, Quebec, Canada

Died: August 15, 1917 (aged 86) Hannibal, Missouri

Buried: Holy Family Cemetery Hannibal, Missouri



Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars: • Siege of Vicksburg




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)99th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment

[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/615/higgins‐thomas‐j.php

[1]http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=3011

Action: Although the action took place on May 22nd, 1863, Thomas J. Higgins was only awarded his CMOH on April 1st, 1898. [1] His official citation reads: "When his regiment fell back in the assault, repulsed, this soldier continued to advance and planted the flag on the parapet, where he was captured by the enemy.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: George L. Houghton

Born: August 28, 1841 in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia

Died: February 25, 1917 (aged 75), location unknown

Buried: Orting, Washington



Rank: Private

Battles / Wars:

• No record found




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company "D"

[2] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/653/houghton‐george‐l.php


Action: Houghton's medal was won for his actions at Elk River, Tennessee, where he led a party that saved a bridge, on July 2, 1863. He was honored with the award on March 27, 1900.[1]. His official citation reads: "Voluntarily joined a small party that, under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the bridge.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: James McIntosh

Born: November 17, 1829 in Canada

Died: May 28, 1908 (age 78) in Kearny, New Jersey

Buried: Arlington Memorial Park, Kearny, New Jersey



Rank: Captain of the Top

Battles / Wars:

• Battle of Mobile Bay




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)Served on the USS Richmond

[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/906/mcveane‐john‐p.php

Action: His official citation reads: "On board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Mclntosh performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the prolonged battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the successful attacks carried out on Fort Morgan.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Martin T. McMahon

Born: March 21, 1838 in La Prairie, Quebec, Canada

Died: April 21, 1906 (aged 68) New York City, New York



Years of Service: 1861 - 1866

Rank: Brevet Major General

Battles / Wars:

•Battle of White Oak Swamp




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)Army of the Potomac / Adjutant General's Corps

[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (M‐Z)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. July

16, 2007. Retrieved 2008‐05‐01.

Action: Decades after the end of the conflict, in 1891, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of White Oak Swamp on June 30, 1862. His official citation reads: "Under fire of the enemy, successfully destroyed a valuable train that had been abandoned and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Of notable interest: General McMahon served as US Minister to Paraguay in 1869, where he showed great interest towards Paraguay’s needs during the Triple Alliance War.

Name: John P. McVean

Born: 1843 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Died: May 10, 1864 (aged 20 or 21) in Virginia

Buried: Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York



Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

Battles / Wars:

• Battle of Chancellorsville






Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)49th New York Infantry, Company "D"

[3] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/906/mcveane‐john‐p.php

[2] "Civil War (M‐P) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved June 8, 2014.

Action: In May, 1863 as a corporal, he captured the flag from a Confederate Color bearer at Fredericksburg Heights.[1] A year later, he was killed as a 2nd Lieutenant at the Battle of the Wilderness. He was posthumously honored with the award on September 21, 1870.[2]. His official citation reads: "Shot a Confederate color bearer and seized the flag; also approached, alone, a barn between the lines and demanded and received the surrender of a number of the enemy therein.".[3] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: James T. Murphy

Born: 1839 in Canada

Died: January 11, 1904 (age of 65), location unknown

Buried: St. Bernard's Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut



Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars: • Battle of Fort Stedman, a.k.a., Battle of Hare's Hill




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)1st Connecticut Artillery, Company "L"

[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/969/murphy‐james‐t.php

[1]http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/states/pages_go/murphy_james_ct.html

Action: Private James T. Murphy was one of four soldiers who earned the Medal of Honor in action at Petersburg, Virginia, on March 25, 1865. An important piece of artillery was silenced by the enemy during the battle, but Private Murphy voluntarily went to the gun to assist in putting it in operation, and continued to fire this gun at the enemy throughout the engagement.[1] His official citation reads: "A piece of artillery having been silenced by the enemy, this soldier voluntarily assisted in working the piece, conducting himself throughout the engagement in a gallant and fearless manner.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: John Neil

Born: 1837, Newfoundland, Canada





Rank: Quarter Gunner

Battles / Wars:

•First Battle of Fort Fisher




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)Served on the USS Agawam

[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/982/neil‐john.php

Action: His official citation reads: "Neil served on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 23 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew again boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than 2 hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the forts.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Of notable interest: Another Canadian,William Garvin, was also on the Agawam and was also awarded the MOH during the same battle!

Name: Albert O'Connor

Born: July 15, 1843 in East Hereford, Quebec, Canada

Died: April 3, 1928 (aged 84) Orting, Washington

Buried: Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery, Orting, Washington



Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars: • Unknown




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company "A"

[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1006/o‐connor‐albert.php

[1]http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/graves‐memorials‐and‐medals.html

Action: "...…At age 17, he joined the Union army and would go on to fight in 30 different battles. He won his award after he rescued a Union officer who was being held by nine Confederates. During the hand to hand combat he captured thee of the enemy, a stand of enemy colors (flags) and dispersed the remainder.… ."[1].His official citation reads: "On 31 March 1865, with a comrade, recaptured a Union officer from a detachment of 9 Confederates, capturing 3 of the detachment and dispersing the remainder, and on 1 April 1865, seized a stand of Confederate colors, killing a Confederate officer in a hand_to_hand contest over the colors and retaining the colors until surrounded by Confederates and compelled to relinquish them.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Joachim Pease

Born: 1842 in Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada


Buried: Location unknown



Rank: Seaman

Battles / Wars: Destruction of the CSS Alabama




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)Served on the USS Kearsarge

[1] "PEASE, JOACHIM, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient". American Civil War website. 2007‐11‐08. Retrieved 2007‐11‐08.

Action: Joachim Pease enlisted in the Navy in New York City and served onboard USS Kearsarge during the US Civil War. On June 19, 1864, off the coast of Cherbourg, France, Kearsarge battled the Rebel sloop-of-war CSS Alabama, the infamous Confederate raider. His official citation reads: "Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: William R. Pelham

Born: December 8, 1847 in Nova Scotia, Canada

Died: March 30, 1933 (aged 85) in Brooklyn, New York

Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York



Rank: Landsman

Battles / Wars: •Battle of Mobile Bay




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)Served on the USS Hartford

[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1048/pelham‐william.php

Action: Just like Thomas Fitzpatrick, another Canadian CMOH winner spoken of earlier, William R. Pelham also served on the USS Hartford and won his award during the same battle! His official citation reads: "On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful actions against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. When the other members of his guncrew were killed or wounded under the enemy's terrific shellfire, Pelham calmly assisted the casualties below and voluntarily returned and took his place at an adjoining gun where another man had been struck down. He continued to fight his gun throughout the remainder of the battle which resulted in the capture of the Tennessee.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Alonzo H. Pickle

Born: July 2, 1843 in Farnham, Quebec, Canada

Died: May 24, 1925 Sleepy Eye Brown County, Minnesota

Buried: Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye Brown County, MN


Years of Service: Discharged 1865

Rank: Sergeant

Battles / Wars:

• Second Battle of Deep Bottom




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)1st Battalion, Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company "B"

[1] Biography by Don Morfe.

Action: At the Second Battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia on August 14, 1864, he rescued a wounded officer from the line of fire. His official Medal of Honor citation reads simply: "At the risk of his life, voluntarily went to the assistance of a wounded officer lying close to the enemy's lines and, under fire, carried him to a place of safety.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Wesley J. Powers

Born: October 26, 1845 in Orono, Ontario, Canada

Died: December 14, 1902 (age 57), location unknown

Buried: North Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois



Rank: Corporal

Battles / Wars: • Oostanaula River, Georgia




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)147th Illinois Infantry, Company "F"

[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1086/powers‐wesley‐j.php

[1]http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/sunday‐evenings‐blogs/archives/05‐2013/3

Action: On April 3rd, 1865, Wesley's unit was on one side of the deep river, and the Confederates were on the other, with no way to cross it. When the Union troops discovered that there was a ferry hidden from view, but moored on the enemy side Wesley volunteered to swim across and float it over so his regiment could board and make the crossing. Approval was given and into the water he went. The Confederates soon saw this and gave him quite a heavy load of lead but missed their mark. Successfully getting to the ferry he only then came to realize it was far too big a job for one man, so he took a smaller skiff also found and while still under heavy fire managed to cross with it. He then got some of his fellow soldiers onboard, and made a third crossing, even though still under heavy fire and boarded the ferry and brought her back to their regiment. Now able to cross, the overall battle turned in favour of the Union. And the credit belonged to Wesley. His own Commanding Officer read a letter of thanks to him, in front of the whole regiment, acknowledging his volunteering, bravery and persistence in securing the ferry and turning the battle around.[1] His official citation reads: "Voluntarily swam the river under heavy fire and secured a ferryboat, by means of which the command crossed.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Carlos H. Rich

Born: February 11, 1841 in Canada

Died: May 29, 1918 (age 76) location unknown

Buried: Roxbury, Vermont



Rank: 1st Sergeant

Battles / Wars:





Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)4th Vermont Infantry, Company "K"

[2] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1130/rich‐carlos‐h.php.

[1] http://www.nnyacgs.com/files/rich_carlos_p.pdf

Action: Carlos H. Rich served in the same unit as Robert J. Coffey discussed earlier, and both Medal of Honor winners were in the same company! For his part, Carlos saved Lieutenant Edward W. Carter at the Battle of the Wilderness. Although his citation for this act of valor is short and sweet, the Battle of the Wilderness was not. It was a storm of fire and steel that took the lives of 28,699 men in three days. In this inferno because the fighting had set the trees ablaze, "Carlos went out bravely to retrieve the injured lieutenant and found he was so badly hurt, he didn’t want to carry him and injure him further. Rich went back behind his own line and found Lieut. Albert A. Carter, the brother of the injured man. Carter and Rich then dragged the man back to safety.".[1] His official citation reads: "Saved the life of an officer.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: Alexander Scott

Born: August 19, 1844 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died: May 27, 1923 (aged 78) in Washington, D.C.



Years of Service: August 2nd 1862 - July 3rd 1865

Rank: Corporal

Battles / Wars:

•Battle of Monocacy

•Battle of Cedar Creek




Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)10th Vermont Infantry Regiment, Company "D"

[1] Haynes, Edward Mortimer (1894). A History of the Tenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers (2d ed., rev., enl. and

embellished by over sixty engravings and ... maps and charts of batterfields ed.). The Tuttle company, printers. pp. 436–437.

OCLC 3435378

Action: On October 19, 1864 Scott was severely wounded in the right thigh by a musket ball at Cedar Creek, Virginia. After recovering he rejoined his regiment on the march to Danville, Virginia in April 1865. He returned with his regiment to Burlington, VT and was discharged July 3, 1865. His commanding officer Major Lydon, in recommending him for the Medal of Honor, stated, "during all the above period with the Color Guard, Corporal Scott refused promotion for the honor of remaining in that important and hazardous service".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: John Shivers

Born: 1830 in Canada





Rank: Private

Battles / Wars:

• Second Battle of Fort Fisher




Service / Branch: United States Marine Corps (Union)Served on the USS Minnesota

[1]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1239/shivers‐john.php

Action: On January 15, 1865 the Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher in North Carolina was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Shivers was one of nine crewmen from the USS Minnesota who received the Medal of Honor for their actions during this battle. His official citation reads: "On board the U.S.S. Minnesota, in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Shivers advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two-thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Name: James Stoddard

Born: 1838 in Port Robinson, Ontario, Canada





Rank: Acting Master's Mate

Battles / Wars: • Engagement of Yazoo City, Mississippi




Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)Served on the USS Marmora

[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1310/stoddard‐james.php

[1]http://www.ussstoddard.org/history_jstoddard.html

Action: "...…At this time the fighting in the city was hand to hand. The gun was placed in position in the street and did good service, helping very much toward winning the day. The crew at one time was driven from the gun, they did not have sufficient support to hold it, but the soldiers seeing the crew driven, rallied, charged on the rebels and retook it, losing three men in the charge, and wounding James Stoddard of the Marmora…I am proud to say that the Navy was well represented by 3 sailors, who nobly stood by their guns through the whole action, fighting hand to hand to save the gun and the reputation of the Navy. The sailors are highly spoken of by the army officials for their gallant conduct. Their names are…James Stoddard of the Marmora. I would recommend them for your consideration." A more detailed report by the Commanding Officer USS Marmora indicates that while the gun was severely damaged during the attack, "to the bravery of that guns crew may be attributed the change of fortune of the day…I would most respectfully solicit in their behalf that you would confer a medal of honor on the following men:… James Stoddard, seaman, shot through the neck, slowly recovering…"[1] His official citation reads: "Off Yazoo City, Miss., 5 March 1864. Embarking from the Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Stoddard landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer, contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Of Notable Interest: In 1944, the destroyer USS Stoddard (DD‐566) was named in his

honor!

Documents

US Civil War (April 12 Canadian Congressional Medal of ...€¦ · Stanton Guards Michigan Infantry Regiment 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment [1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal