
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients
Source: U.S. Army Center of Military History
UHRL, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Light Battery F, 5th U.S. Artillery. Place and date: At White Oak Swamp Bridge,
Va.. 30 June 1862. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Germany. Date of issue: 4 April 1898. Citation: Was 1 of
a party of 3 who, under heavy fire of advancing enemy, voluntarily secured and saved from capture a field gun belonging
to another battery, and which had been deserted by its officers and men.
URELL, M. EMMET
Rank and organization: Private, Company E, 82d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Bristoe Station, Va., 14 October
1863. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 6 June 1870. Citation: Gallantry in action while
detailed as color bearer; was severely wounded.
VALE, JOHN
Rank and organization: Private, Company H, 2d Minnesota Infantry. Place and date: At Nolensville, Tenn., 15 February
1863. Entered service at: Rochester, Minn. Birth: England. Date of issue: 11 September 1897. Citation: Was one
of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the
attack and saved the train.
VANCE, WILSON
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 21st Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Stone River, Tenn., 31 December
1862. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Hancock County, Ohio. Date of issue: 17 September 1897. Citation: Voluntarily
and under a heavy fire, while his command was falling back, rescued a wounded and helpless comrade from death or
capture.
VANDERSLICE, JOHN M.
Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Place and date: At Hatchers Run, Va., 6 February
1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 1 September 1893. Citation: Was the first
man to reach the enemy's rifle pits, which were taken in the charge.
VAN MATRE, JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Private, Company G, 116th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 2 April 1865.
Entered service at: ------. Birth: Mason County, W. Va. Date of issue: 12 May 1865. Citation: In the assault on
Fort Gregg, this soldier climbed upon the parapet and fired down into the fort as fast as the loaded guns could
be passed up to him by comrades.
VANTINE, JOSEPH E.
Rank and organization: First Class Fireman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania.
G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Richmond in the attack on Port Hudson, 14 March
1863. Damaged by a 6_inch solid rifle shot which shattered the starboard safety_valve chamber and also damaged
the port safety valve, the fireroom of the Richmond immediately filled with steam to place it in an extremely critical
condition. Acting courageously in this crisis, Vantine persisted in penetrating the steam_filled room in order
to haul the hot fires of the furnaces and continued this action until the gravity of the situation had been lessened.
VAN WINKLE, EDWARD (EDWIN)
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company C, 148th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September
1864. Entered service at: Phelps, N.Y. Birth: Phelps, N.Y. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Took position
in advance of the skirmish line and drove the enemy's cannoneers from their guns.
VAUGHN, PINKERTON R.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1839, Downingtown, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O.
No.: 17, 10 July 1863. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Mississippi during her abandonment and firing in the
action with the Port Hudson batteries, 14 March 1863. During the abandonment of the Mississippi which had to be
grounded, Sgt. Vaughn rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer, remaining with the ship until all
the crew had landed and the ship had been fired to prevent its falling into enemy hands. Persistent until the last,
and conspicuously cool under the heavy shellfire, Sgt. Vaughn was finally ordered to save himself as he saw fit.
VEAL, CHARLES
Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 4th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September
1864. Entered service at: Portsmouth, Va. Birth: Portsmouth Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Seized the
national colors after 2 color bearers had been shot down close to the enemy's works, and bore them through the
remainder of the battle.
VEALE, MOSES
Rank and organization: Captain, Company F, 109th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Wauhatchie, Tenn., 28
October 1863. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born. 9 November 1832, Bridgeton, N.J. Date of issue: 17 January
1894. Citation: Gallantry in action manifesting throughout the engagement coolness, zeal, judgment, and courage.
His horse was shot from under him and he was hit by 4 enemy bullets.
VEAZEY, WHEELOCK G.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 16th Vermont Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 3 July 1863. Entered
service at: Springfield, Vt. Born: 5 December 1835, Brentwood, N.H. Date of issue: 8 September 1891. Citation:
Rapidly assembled his regiment and charged the enemy's flank; charged front under heavy fire, and charged and destroyed
a Confederate brigade, all this with new troops in their first battle.
VERNAY, JAMES D.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, Company B, 11th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg Miss.,
22 April 1863. Entered service at: Lacon, Marshall County, Ill. Birth: Lacon, Ill. Date of issue: 1 April 1898.
Citation: Served gallantly as a volunteer with the crew of the steamer Horizon that, under a heavy fire, passed
the Confederate batteries.
VERNEY, JAMES W.
Rank and organization: Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1834 Maine. Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.: 59, 22
June 1865. Citation. Served as chief quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher
and Wilmington, 24 December 1864 to 22 February 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully throughout this period,
Verney was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under fire of the enemy throughout
these various actions.
VIFQUAIN, VICTOR
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, 97th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Blakely, Ala., 9 April
1865. Entered service at: Saline County, Nebr. Birth: Belgium. Date of issue: 8 June 1865. Citation: Capture of
flag.
VON VEGESACK, ERNEST
Rank and organization: Major and Aide_de_Camp, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Gaines Mill, Va., 27 June 1862.
Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: Sweden. Date of issue: 23 August 1893. Citation: While voluntarily serving
as aide_de_camp, successfully and advantageously charged the position of troops under fire.
WAGEMAN, JOHN H.
Rank and organization: Private, Company I, 60th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 17 June 1864.
Entered service at: Amelia, Ohio. Birth: Clermont County, Ohio. Date of issue: 27 July 1896. Citation: Remained
with the command after being severely wounded until he had fired all the cartridges in his possession, when he
had to be carried from the field.
WAGG, MAURICE
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, England. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December
1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Rhode Island, which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers
and crew of the Monitor off Hatteras, 31 December 1862. Participating in the hazardous task of rescuing the officers
and crew of the sinking Monitor, Wagg distinguished himself by meritorious conduct during this operation.
WAGNER, JOHN W.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company F, 8th Missouri Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May
1863. Entered service at: St. Louis, Mo. Born: 1844, Clear Spring, Md. Date of issue: 14 December 1894. Citation:
Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."
WAINWRIGHT, JOHN
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Company F, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Fisher,
N.C., 15 January 1865. Entered service at: West Chester, Pa. Born: 13 July 1839, Syracuse, Onondaga County, N.Y.
Date of issue: 24 June 1890. Citation: Gallant and meritorious conduct, where, as first lieutenant, he commanded
the regiment.
WALKER, JAMES C.
Rank and organization: Private, Company K, 31st Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Missionary Ridge, Tenn., 25 November
1863. Entered service at: Springfield, Ohio. Birth: Clark County, Ohio. Date of issue: 25 November 1895. Citation:
After 2 color bearers had fallen, seized the flag and carried it forward, assisting in the capture of a battery.
Shortly thereafter he captured the flag of the 41st Alabama and the color bearer.
WALKER, DR. MARY E.
Rank and organization: Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian), U. S. Army. Places and dates: Battle of Bull
Run, July 21, 1861; Patent Office Hospital, Washington, D.C., October 1861; Chattanooga, Tenn., following Battle
of Chickomauga, September 1863; Prisoner of War, April 10, 1864-August 12, 1864, Richmond, Va.; Battle of Atlanta,
September 1864. Entered service at: Louisville, Ky. Born: 26 November 1832, Oswego County, N.Y. Citation: Whereas
it appears from official reports that Dr. Mary E. Walker, a graduate of medicine, "has rendered valuable service
to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and untiring in a variety of ways," and that she was
assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon in charge of female prisoners at Louisville, Ky., upon the
recommendation of Major-Generals Sherman and Thomas, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of
the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soliders, both in the
field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health, and has also endured hardships as a prisoner of war four
months in a Southern prison while acting as contract surgeon; and Whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned
officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her;
and
Whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made:
It is ordered, That a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said Dr. Mary E. Walker, and that
the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her.
Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D.C., this 11th day of November, A.D. 1865.
Andrew Johnson,
President
(Medal rescinded 1917 along with 910 others, restored by President Carter 10 June 1977.)
WALL, JERRY
Rank and organization. Private, Company B, 126th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 3 July
1863. Entered service at: Milo, N.Y. Birth: Geneva, N.Y. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Capture of flag.
WALLER, FRANCIS A.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 6th Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 1 July
1863. Entered service at: DeSoto, Vernon County, Wis. Birth: Gurney, Ohio. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation:
Capture of flag of 2d Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.).
WALLING, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company C, 142d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Fisher, N.C., 25 December
1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Hartford, N.Y. Date of issue: 28 March 1892. Citation: During the bombardment
of the fort by the fleet, captured and brought the flag of the fort, the flagstaff having been shot down.
WALSH, JOHN
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 5th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October
1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 26 October 1864. Citation: Recaptured the flag
of the 15th New Jersey Infantry.
WALTON, GEORGE W.
Rank and organization. Private, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Hell, Petersburg,
Va., 29 August 1864. Entered service at: Upper Oxford, Pa. Birth: Chester, Pa. Date of issue: 6 August 1902. Citation:
Went outside the trenches, under heavy fire at short range, and rescued a comrade who had been wounded and thrown
out of the trench by an exploding shell.
WAMBSGAN, MARTIN
Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 90th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October
1864. Entered service at: Cayuga County, N.Y. Birth: Germany. Date of issue: 3 November 1896. Citation: While the
enemy were in close proximity, this soldier sprang forward and bore off in safety the regimental colors, the color
bearer having fallen on the field of battle.
WARD, JAMES
Rank and organization: Quarter Gunner, U.S. Navy. Born: 1833, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.:
45, 31 December 1864. Citation: Serving as gunner on board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against
Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Although wounded and ordered below,
Ward refused to go, but rendered aid at one of the guns when the crew was disabled. He subsequently remained in
the chains, heaving the lead, until nearly caught in the collision with the ram Tennessee. He continued to serve
bravely throughout the action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in the damaging and
destruction of Fort Morgan.
WARD, NELSON W.
Rank and organization: Private, Company M, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Place and date: At Staunton River Bridge,
Va., 25 June 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Columbiana County, Ohio. Date of issue: 10 September 1897.
Citation: Voluntarily took part in a charge; went alone in front of his regiment under a heavy fire to secure the
body of his captain, who had been killed in the action.
WARD, THOMAS J.
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 116th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May
1863. Entered service at: Macon County, Ill. Birth: Romney, W. Va. Date of issue: 27 July 1894. Citation: Gallantry
in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."
WARD, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company B, 47th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 3 May 1863.
Entered service at: Adrian, Mich. Born: 9 December 1840, Adrian, Mich. Date of issue: 2 January 1895. Citation:
Voluntarily commanded the expedition which, under cover of darkness, attempted to run the enemy's batteries.
WARDEN, JOHN
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company E, 55th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May
1863. Entered service at: Lemont, Ill. Birth: Cook County, Ill. Date of issue: 2 September 1893. Citation: Gallantry
in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."
WARFEL, HENRY C.
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Place and date: At Paines Crossroads, Va.,
5 April 1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Huntington, Pa. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation: Capture of
Virginia State colors.
WARREN, DAVID
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1836, Scotland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December
1864. Citation: Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. Monticello during the reconnaissance of the harbor and water
defenses of Wilmington, N.C., 23 to 25 June 1864. Taking part in a reconnaissance of enemy defenses which lasted
2 days and nights, Warren courageously carried out his duties during this action which resulted in the capture
of a mail carrier and mail, the cutting of a telegraph wire, and the capture of a large group of prisoners. Although
in immediate danger from the enemy, Warren showed gallantry and coolness throughout this action which resulted
in the gaining of much vital information of the rebel defenses.
WARREN, FRANCIS E.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company C, 49th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Port Hudson, La., 27
May 1863. Entered service at: Hinsdale, Mass. Birth: Hinsdale, Mass. Date of issue: 30 September 1893. Citation:
Volunteered in response to a call, and took part in the movement that was made upon the enemy's works under a heavy
fire therefrom in advance of the general assault.
WEBB, ALEXANDER S.
Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 3 July 1863. Entered
service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 15 February 1835, New York, N.Y. Date of issue: 28 September 1891. Citation: Distinguished
personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest.
WEBB, JAMES
Rank and organization: Private, Company F, 5th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Bull Run, Va., 30 August 1862.
Entered service at: ------. Birth: Brooklyn, N.Y. Date of issue: 17 September 1897. Citation: Under heavy fire
voluntarily carried information to a battery commander that enabled him to save his guns from capture. Was severely
wounded, but refused to go to the hospital and participated in the remainder of the campaign.
WEBBER, ALASON P.
Rank and organization: Musician, 86th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., 27 June 1864.
Entered service at: Illinois. Birth: Greene County, N.Y. Date of issue: 22 June 1896. Citation: Voluntarily joined
in a charge against the enemy, which was repulsed, and by his rapid firing in the face of the enemy enabled many
of the wounded to return to the Federal lines; with others, held the advance of the enemy while temporary works
were being constructed.
WEBSTER, HENRY S.
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1845, Stockholm, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 49,
22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Susquehanna during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. When
enemy fire halted the attempt by his landing party to enter the fort and more than two_thirds of the men fell back
along the open beach, Webster voluntarily remained with one of his wounded officers, under fire, until aid could
be obtained to bring him to the rear.
WEEKS, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: Captain of the Foretop, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, New Jersey. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O.
No.: 84, 3 October 1867. Citation: Served as captain of the foretop on board the U.S.S. Montauk, 21 September 1864.
During the night of 21 September, when fire was discovered in the magazine lightroom of that vessel, causing a
panic and demoralizing the crew, Weeks, notwithstanding the cry of "fire in the magazine," displayed
great presence of mind and rendered valuable service in extinguishing the flames which were imperiling the ship
and the men on board.
WEEKS, JOHN H.
Rank and organization: Private, Company H, 152d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania, Va., 12 May
1864. Entered service at: Hartwick Seminary, N.Y. Born: 15 March 1845, Hampton, Conn. Date of issue: 1 December
1864. Citation: Capture of flag and color bearer using an empty cocked rifle while outnumbered 5 or 6.
WEIR, HENRY C.
Rank and organization: Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At St. Mary's Church,
Va., 24 June 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: West Point, N.Y. Date of issue: 18 Nay 1899. Citation: The
division being hard pressed and falling back, this officer dismounted, gave his horse to a wounded officer, and
thus enabled him to escape. Afterwards, on foot, Captain Weir rallied and took command of some stragglers and helped
to repel the last charge of the enemy.
WELCH, GEORGE W.
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 11th Missouri Infantry. Place and date: At Nashville, Tenn., 16 December
1864. Entered service at: Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa. Birth: Brown County, Iowa. Date of issue: 24 February 1965
Citation: Captured the flag of the 13th Alabama Infantry (C.S.A.).
WELCH, RICHARD
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company E, 37th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 2
April 1865. Entered service at: Williamstown, Mass. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 10 May 1865. Citation: Capture
of flag.
WELCH, STEPHEN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 154th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Dug Gap, Ga., 8 May 1864.
Entered service at: Allegany, Cattaraugus County, N.Y. Birth: Groton, N.Y. Date of issue: 13 April 1894. Citation:
Risked his life in rescuing a wounded comrade under fire of the enemy.
*WELLS, HENRY S.
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 148th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September
1864. Entered service at: Phelps, N.Y. Birth: ------. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: With 2 comrades, took
position in advance of the skirmish line, within short distance of the enemy's gunners, and drove them from their
guns.
WELLS, THOMAS M.
Rank and organization: Chief Bugler, 6th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October 1864.
Entered service at: DeKalb, N.Y. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 26 October 1864. Citation: Capture of colors of
44th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.).
WELLS, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Major, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 3 July 1863. Entered service
at: Waterbury, Vt. Born: 14 December 1837, Waterbury, Vt. Date of issue: 8 September 1891. Citation: Led the second
battalion of his regiment in a daring charge.
WELLS, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1832, Germany. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31
December 1864. Citation: As landsman and lookout 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 the loss of several
men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Wells performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious
2_hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of
batteries at Fort Morgan.
WELSH, EDWARD
Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 54th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May 1863.
Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 11 May 1894. Citation: Gallantry in the charge
of the "volunteer storming party."
WELSH, JAMES
Rank and organization: Private, Company E, 4th Rhode Island Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July
1864. Entered service at: Slatersville, R.I. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 3 June 1905. Citation: Bore off the
regimental colors after the color sergeant had been wounded and the color corporal bearing the colors killed thereby
saving the colors from capture.
WESTERHOLD, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company G, 52d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania, Va., 12 May
1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Prussia. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Capture of flag of
23d Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.).
WESTON, JOHN F.
Rank and organization: Major, 4th Kentucky Cavalry. Place and date: Near Wetumpka, Ala., 13 April 1865. Entered
service at: Kentucky. Birth: Kentucky. Date of issue: 9 April 1898. Citation: This officer, with a small detachment,
while en route to destroy steamboats loaded with supplies for the enemy, was stopped by an unfordable river, but
with 5 of his men swam the river, captured 2 leaky canoes, and ferried his men across. He then encountered and
defeated the enemy, and on reaching Wetumpka found the steamers anchored in midstream. By a ruse obtained possession
of a boat, with which he reached the steamers and demanded and received their surrender.
WHEATON, LOYD
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, 8th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Blakely, Ala., 9 April
1865. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: 15 July 1838, Calhoun County, Mich. Date of issue: 16 January 1894. Citation:
Led the right wing of his regiment, and, springing through an embrasure, was the first to enter the enemy's works,
against a strong fire of artillery and infantry.
WHEELER, DANIEL D.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Company G, 4th Vermont Infantry. Place and date: At Salem Heights, Va.,
3 May 1863. Entered service at: Cavendish, Vt. Birth: Cavendish, Vt. Date of issue: 28 March 1892. Citation: Distinguished
bravery in action where he was wounded and had a horse shot from under him.
WHEELER, HENRY W.
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 2d Maine Infantry. Place and date: At Bull Run, Va., 21 July 1861. Entered
service at: Bangor, Maine. Born: 1842, Fort Smith, Ark. Date of issue: 5 April 1898. Citation: Voluntarily accompanied
his commanding officer and assisted in removing the dead and wounded from the field under a heavy fire of artillery
and musketry.
WHERRY, WILLIAM M.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Company D, 3d U.S. Reserve Missouri Infantry. Place and date: At Wilsons
Creek, Mo., 10 August 1861. Entered service at: St. Louis, Mo. Born: 13 September 1836, St. Louis, Mo. Date of
issue: 30 October 1895. Citation: Displayed conspicuous coolness and heroism in rallying troops that were recoiling
under heavy fire.
WHITAKER, EDWARD W.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company E, 1st Connecticut Cavalry. Place and date: At Reams Station, Va., 29 June
1864. Entered service at: Ashford, Conn. Born: 15 June 1841, Killingly, Conn. Date of issue: 2 April 1898. Citation:
While acting as an aide voluntarily carried dispatches from the commanding general to Gen. Meade, forcing his way
with a single troop of Cavalry, through an Infantry division of the enemy in the most distinguished manner, though
he lost half his escort.
WHITE, ADAM
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company G, 11th West Virginia Infantry. Place and date: At Hatchers Run, Va.,
2 April 1865. Entered service at: Parkersburg, W. Va. Birth: Switzerland. Date of issue: 13 June 1865. Citation:
Capture of flag.
WHITE, J. HENRY
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 90th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Rappanhannock Station,
Va., 23 August 1862. Entered service at:------. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 5 May 1900. Citation: At
the imminent risk of his life, crawled to a nearby spring within the enemy's range and exposed to constant fire
filled a large number of canteens, and returned in safety to the relief of his comrades who were suffering from
want of water.
WHITE, JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Captain of the Gun, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Washington, D.C. Accredited to: Pennsylvania.
G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: White served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks
on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13,14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead
in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed
fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken
under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition
at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against
the storming party, the ships battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the ceasefire
order was given by the flagship.
WHITE, PATRICK H.
Rank and organization: Captain, Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery. Place and date: At Vicksburg,
Miss., 22 May 1863. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 1833, Ireland. Date of issue: 15 January 1895. Citation:
Carried with others by hand a cannon up to and fired it through an embrasure of the enemy's works.
WHITEHEAD, JOHN M.
Rank and organization: Chaplain, 15th Indiana Infantry. Place and date: At Stone River, Tenn., 31 December 1862.
Entered service at: Westville, Ind. Born: 6 March 1823, Wayne County, Ind. Date of issue: 4 April 1898. Citation:
Went to the front during a desperate contest and unaided carried to the rear several wounded and helpless soldiers.
WHITFIELD, DANIEL
Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1821, Newark, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.:
45, 31 December 1864. Citation: Serving as quartermaster 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. Acting as captain
of a gun, Whitfield coolly stood by his gun, holding on to the lock string and waited alongside the rebel ram Tennessee
until able to fire the shot that entered her port. Whitfield courageously carried out his duties during the prolonged
action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.
WHITMAN, FRANK M.
Rank and organization: Private, Company G, 35th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Antietam, Md., 17 September
1862. At Spotsylvania, Va., 18 May 1864. Entered service at: Ayersville, Mass. Birth: Woodstock, Maine. Date of
issue: 21 February 1874. Citation: Was among the last to leave the field at Antietam and was instrumental in saving
the lives of several of his comrades at the imminent risk of his own. At Spotsylvania was foremost in line in the
assault, where he lost a leg.
WHITMORE, JOHN
Rank and organization: Private, Company F, 119th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Ft. Blakely, Ala., 9 April
1865. Entered service at: Camden, Schuyler County, Ill. Birth: Brown County, Ill. Date of issue: 8 June 1865. Citation:
Capture of flag.
WHITNEY, WILLIAM G.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 11th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Chickamauga, Ga., 20 September
1863. Entered service at: Quincy, Mich. Born. 13 December 1840, Allen, Mich. Date of issue: 21 October 1895. Citation:
As the enemy were about to charge, this officer went outside the temporary Union works among the dead and wounded
enemy and at great exposure to himself cut off and removed their cartridge boxes, bringing the same within the
Union lines, the ammunition being used with good effect in again repulsing the attack.
WHITTIER, EDWARD N.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 5th Battery, Maine Light Artillery. Place and date: At Fishers Hill, Va.,
22 September 1864. Entered service at: Gorham, Maine. Birth: Portland, Maine. Date of issue: 13 January 1892. Citation:
While acting as assistant adjutant general, Artillery brigade, 6th Army Corps, went over the enemy's works, mounted,
with the assaulting column, to gain quicker possession of the guns and to turn them upon the enemy.
WIDICK, ANDREW J.
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 116th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May
1863. Entered service at: Decatur, Macon County, Ill. Birth: Macon County, Ill. Date of issue: 11 August 1894.
Citation: Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."
WILCOX, FRANKLIN L.
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1831, Paris, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 59,
22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Minnesota in action during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865.
Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Wilcox advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly
through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed and 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.
WILCOX, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company G, 9th New Hampshire Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania, Va., 12
May 1864. Entered service at: Lempster, N.H. Birth: Lempster, N.H. Date of issue: 28 July 1896. Citation: Took
command of his company, deployed as skirmishers, after the officers in command of the skirmish line had both been
wounded, conducting himself gallantly; afterwards, becoming separated from command, he asked and obtained permission
to fight in another company.
WILEY, JAMES
Rank and organization. Sergeant, Company B, 59th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 3 July
1863. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ohio. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Capture of flag of a Georgia
regiment.
WILHELM, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Captain, Company F, 56th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Champion Hill, or Bakers Creek,
Miss., 16 May 1863. Entered service at: Lancaster, Ohio. Born: 2 April 1830, Scioto County, Ohio. Date of issue:
17 November 1887. Citation: Having been badly wounded in the breast and captured, he made a prisoner of his captor
and brought him into camp.
WILKES, HENRY
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1845, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31
December 1864. Citation: Wilkes served on board U.S. Picket Boat No. 1 in action, 27 October 1864, against the
Confederate Ram, Albemarle, which had resisted repeated attacks by our steamers and had kept a large force of vessels
employed in watching her. The picket boat, equipped with a spar torpedo, succeeded in passing the enemy pickets
within 20 yards without being discovered and them made for the Albemarle under a full head of steam. Immediately
taken under fire by the ram, the small boat plunged on, jumped the log boom which encircled the target and exploded
its torpedo under the port bow of the ram. The picket boat was destroyed by enemy fire and almost the entire crew
taken prisoner or lost.
WILKES, PERRY
Rank and organization: Pilot, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: Indiana. Born: 6 June 1830, Indiana. G.O. No.: 45,
31 December 1864. Citation: Served as pilot 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 ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was ordered raised. Acting as pilot throughout
the battle, Wilkes stood by his wheel until it was disabled in his hands by a bursting enemy shell.
WILKINS, LEANDER A.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 9th New Hampshire Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30
July 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Lancaster, N.H. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Recaptured
the colors of 21st Massachusetts Infantry in a hand_to_hand encounter.
WILLCOX, ORLANDO B.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 1st Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Bull Run, Va., 21 July 1861. Entered
service at: Detroit, Mich. Birth: Detroit, Mich. Date of issue: 2 March 1895. Citation: Led repeated charges until
wounded and taken prisoner.
WILLIAMS, ANTHONY
Rank and organization: Sailmaker's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1822, Plymouth, Mass. Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.:
59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Served as sailmaker's mate on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort
Fisher and Wilmington, 24 December 1864 to 22 February 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully throughout this
period, Williams was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under the fire of the enemy
throughout these various actions.
WILLIAMS, AUGUSTUS
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, Norway. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No: 59, 22 June
1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba during the assault by the fleet on Fort Fisher, on 15 January
1865. When the landing party to which he was attached charged on the fort with a cheer, and with determination
to plant their colors on the ramparts, Williams remained steadfast when they reached the foot of the fort and more
than two_thirds of the marines and sailors fell back in panic. Taking cover when the enemy concentrated his fre
on the remainder of the group, he alone remained with his executive officer, subsequently withdrawing from the
field after dark.
WILLIAMS, ELWOOD N.
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 28th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Shiloh, Tenn., 6 April 1862.
Entered service at: Havanna, Ill. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 28 September 1897. Citation: A box of
ammunition having been abandoned between the lines, this soldier voluntarily went forward with one companion, under
a heavy fire from both armies, secured the box, and delivered it within the line of his regiment, his companion
being mortally wounded.
WILLIAMS, GEORGE C.
Rank and organization: Quartermaster Sergeant, 1st Battalion, 14th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Gaines Mill,
Va., 27 June 1862. Entered service at:------. Birth: England. Date of issue: 28 August 1897. Citation: While on
duty with the wagon train as quartermaster sergeant he voluntarily left his place of safety in the rear, joined
a company, and fought with distinguished gallantry through the action.
WILLIAMS, JOHN
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: Elizabethtown, N.J.
G.O. No: 17, 10 July 1863. Citation: Captain of an 11_inch gun aboard the U.S.S. Mohican during action of the main
squadron of ships against the heavily defended Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head, and against ships of
the Confederate Fleet, 7 November 1861. Cool and courageous at his battle station, Williams maintained steady fire
against the enemy while under the fort batteries during a 4_hour engagement which resulted in silencing the batteries
of the forts and in the rout of the rebel steamers.
WILLIAMS, JOHN
Rank and organization: Captain of the Maintop, U.S. Navy. Born: 1828, New Orleans, La. Accredited to: Louisiana.
G.O. No.: 11, 3 April 1863. Citation: Serving as captain of the maintop of the U.S.S. Pawnee in the attack upon
Mathias Point, 26 June 1861, Williams told his men, while lying off in the boat, that every man must die on his
thwart sooner than leave a man behind. Although wounded by a musket ball in the thigh he retained the charge of
his boat; and when the staff was shot away, held the stump in his hand, with the flag, until alongside the Freeborn.
WILLIAMS, JOHN
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1832, Pennsylvania. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 11,
3 April 1863. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Commodore Perry in the attack upon Franklin, Va., 3 October 1862. With
enemy fire raking the deck of his ship and blockades thwarting her progress, Williams remained at his post and
performed his duties with skill and courage as the Commodore Perry fought a gallant battle to silence many rebel
batteries as she steamed down the Blackwater River.
WILLIAMS, LE ROY
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company G, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va.,
3 June 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Oswego, N.Y. Date of issue: 1 April 1898. Citation: Voluntarily
exposed himself to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters and located the body of his colonel who had been killed
close to the enemy's lines. Under cover of darkness, with 4 companions, he recovered the body and brought it within
the Union lines, having approached within a few feet of the Confederate pickets while so engaged.
WILLIAMS, PETER
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1831, Norway, Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 11, 3 April
1863. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Ironclad Steamer Monitor, Hampton Roads, 9 March 1862. During the engagement
between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Merrimack, Williams gallantly served throughout the engagement as quartermaster,
piloting the Monitor throughout the battle in which the Merrimack, after being damaged, retired from the scene
of the battle.
WILLIAMS, ROBERT
Rank and organization: Signal Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O.
No.: 11, 3 April 1863. Citation: Serving as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Benton during the Yazoo River Expedition,
23 to 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour_and_a_half engagement with the enemy at Drumgould's Bluff, 27 December,
Williams served courageously throughout that battle against hostile forces in which the enemy had the dead range
of the vessel and were punishing her with heavy fire and, for various other action in which he took part during
the Yazoo River Expedition.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Ireland. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 32, 16
April 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Lehigh, Charleston Harbor, 16 November 1863, during the hazardous task
of freeing the Lehigh, which had been grounded, and was under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie. After several
previous attempts had been made, Williams succeeded in passing in a small boat from the Lehigh to the Nahant with
a line bent on a hawser. This courageous action while under severe enemy fire enabled the Lehigh to be freed from
her helpless position.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 82d Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., 20 July
1864. Entered service at: Miami County, Ohio. Birth: Hancock County, Ohio. Date of issue: 19 June 1894. Citation:
Voluntarily went beyond the lines to observe the enemy; also aided a wounded comrade.
WILLIAMSON, JAMES A.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 4th Iowa Infantry. Place and date: At Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., 29 December 1862.
Entered service at: Des Moines, Iowa. Born: 8 February 1829, Columbia, Adair County, Ky. Date of issue: 17 January
1895. Citation: Led his regiment against a superior force, strongly entrenched, and held his ground when all support
had been withdrawn.
WILLIS, RICHARD
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, England. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22
June 1865. Citation: Willis served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher,
24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14 and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad
division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed fire to cause
several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as
she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night, despite
severe weather conditions. When the enemy troops came out of their bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming
party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the ceasefire order was
given by the flagship.
WILLISTON, EDWARD B.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 2d U.S. Artillery. Place and date: At Trevilian Station, Va., 12 June
1864. Entered service at: San Francisco, Calif. Birth: Norwich, Vt. Date of issue: 6 April 1892. Citation: Distinguished
gallantry.
WILSON, CHARLES E.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April
1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Bucks County, Pa. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Charged the enemy's
works, colors in hand, and had 2 horses shot from under him.
WILSON, CHRISTOPHER W.
Rank and organization: Private, Company E, 73d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania. Va., 12 May
1864. Entered service at: West Meriden, Conn. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 30 December 1898. Citation: Took the
flag from the wounded color bearer and carried it in the charge over the Confederate works, in which charge he
also captured the colors of the 56th Virginia (C.S.A.) bringing off both flags in safety.
WILSON, FRANCIS A.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company B, 95th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 2 April
1865. Entered service at: Philadelphia Pa. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 25 June 1880. Citation: Was
among the first to penetrate the enemy's lines and himself captured a gun of the 2 batteries captured.
WILSON, JOHN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company L, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Chamberlains Creek, Va.,
31 March 1865. Entered service at: Jersey City, N.J. Birth: England. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: With
the assistance of one comrade, headed off the advance of the enemy, shooting 2 of his color bearers; also posted
himself between the enemy and the lead horses of his own command, thus saving the herd from capture.
WILSON, JOHN A.
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 21st Ohio Infantry. Place and date: Georgia, April 1862. Entered service
at: Wood County, Ohio. Born: 25 July 1832, Columbus, Ohio. Date of issue: September 1863. Citation: One of the
19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles
south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., and attempted to destroy the bridges
and track between Chattanooga and Atlanta.
WILSON, JOHN M.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Engineers. Place and date: At Malvern Hill, Va., 6 August 1862. Entered
service at: Washington Territory. Birth: Olympia, Washington Territory. Date of issue: 3 July 1897. Citation: Remained
on duty, while suffering from an acute illness and very weak, and participated in the action of that date. A few
days previous he had been transferred to a staff corps, but preferred to remain until the close of the campaign,
taking part in several actions.
WINEGAR, WILLIAM W.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Company B, 19th New York Cavalry ( 1st New York Dragoons). Place and date: At
Five Forks, Va., 1 April 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: Springport, N.Y. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation:
While advancing in front of his company and alone, he found himself surrounded by the enemy. He accosted a nearby
enemy flag_bearer demanding the surrender of the group. His effective firing of one shot so demoralized the unit
that it surrendered with flag.
WISNER, LEWIS S.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Company K. 124th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania, Va.,
12 May 1864. Entered service at: Wallkill, Orange County, N.Y. Birth: Wallkill, Orange County, N.Y. Date of issue:
2 January 1895. Citation: While serving as an engineer officer voluntarily exposed himself to the enemy's fire.
WITHINGTON, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company B, 1st Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Bull Run, Va., 21 July 1861._
Entered service at: Jackson, Mich. Born: 1 February 1835, Dorchester, Mass. Date of issue: 7 January 1895. Citation:
Remained on the field under heavy fire to succor his superior officer.
WOLLAM, JOHN
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 33d Ohio Infantry. Place and date: Georgia, April 1862. Entered service
at: Jackson, Jackson County, Ohio. Birth: Hamilton, Ohio. Date of issue: 20 July 1864. Citation: One of the 19
of 22 men (including 2 civilians), who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south
into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., and attempted to destroy the bridges and
track between Chattanooga and Atlanta.
WOOD, H. CLAY
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 11th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Wilsons Creek, Mo., 10 August 1861.
Entered service at: Winthrop, Maine. Birth: Winthrop, Maine. Date of issue: 28 October 1893. Citation: Distinguished
gallantry.
WOOD, MARK
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 21st Ohio Infantry. Place and date: Georgia, April 1862. Entered service
at: Portage, Ohio. Birth: England. Date of issue: September 1863. Citation: One of the 19 of 22 men (including
2 civilians), who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory
and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., and attempted to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanooga
and Atlanta.
WOOD, RICHARD H.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company A, 97th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May
1863. Entered service at: Woodburn, Macoupin County, Ill. Birth: Cumberland, N.J. Date of issue: 12 December 1895.
Citation: Led the "volunteer storming party," which made a most gallant assault upon the enemy's works.
WOOD, ROBERT B.
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: New Garden Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863.
Citation: Attached to the U.S.S. Minnesota and temporarily serving on the U.S.S. Mount Washington, during action
against the enemy in the Nansemond River, 14 April 1863. When the U.S.S. Mount Washington drifted against the bank
and all men were driven from the decks by escaping steam following several successive hits which struck her boilers
and stopped her engines, Wood boarded the stricken vessel and, despite a strike on the head by a spent ball, continued
at his gun for 6 hours as fierce artillery and musketry continued to rake her decks.
WOODALL, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Civilian scout, U.S. Army, Major General Philip H. Sheridan's Headquarters, during Civil
War. Place and date: Virginia, Appomattox campaign, Sailors Creek, March 29 to April 9, 1865. Entered service at
Winchester, Virginia. Birthdate: unknown. Date of issue: 25 April 1865. Place: Washington, D.C., 3 May 1865. Note:
Was Chief Civilian Scout for Major General Philip H. Sheridan's Cavalry Corps, which consisted of VI and XIX Corps.
Citation: Captured flag of Brigadier General Rufus Barringer's headquarters brigade.
(In 1916, the general review of all Medals of Honor deemed 900 unwarranted. This recipient was one of them. In
June 1989, the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Records restored the medal to this recipient.)
WOODBURY, ERI D.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company E, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October
1864. Entered service at: St. Johnsbury, Vt. Birth: Francistown, N.H. Date of issue: 26 October 1864. Citation:
During the regiment's charge when the enemy was in retreat Sgt. Woodbury encountered 4 Confederate infantrymen
retreating. He drew his saber and ordered them to surrender, overcoming by his determined actions their willingness
to further resist. They surrendered to him together with their rifles and 12th North Carolina (C.S.A.) regimental
flag.
WOODRUFF, ALONZO
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company I, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters. Place and date: At Hatchers Run, Va., 27 October
1864. Entered service at: Ionia, Mich. Birth: lonia, Mich. Date of issue: 29 January 1896. Citation: Went to the
assistance of a wounded and overpowered comrade, and in a hand_to_hand encounter effected his rescue.
WOODRUFF, CARLE A.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 2d U.S. Artillery. Place and date: At Newbys Crossroads, Va., 24 July
1863. Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Born: Buffalo, N.Y. Date of issue: 1 September 1893. Citation: While
in command of a section of a battery constituting a portion of the rear guard of a division then retiring before
the advance of a corps of Infantry was attacked by the enemy and ordered to abandon his guns. Lt. Woodruff disregarded
the orders received and aided in repelling the attack and saving the guns.
WOODS, DANIEL A.
Rank and organization: Private, Company K, 1st Virginia Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April
1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ohio County, W. Va. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation: Capture of flag
of 18th Florida Infantry (C.S.A.).
WOODS, SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, California. Accredited to. California. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July
1863. Citation: As captain of the gun, serving temporarily on board the U.S.S. Mount Washington, during the Nansemond
River action, 14 April 1863. When one of his comrades was struck by a bullet and knocked overboard, Woods fearlessly
jumped into the water and swam after him. Before he reached him, the man sank beneath the surface and Woods promptly
swam back to the vessel, went to his gun, and fought it to the close of the action. At the close of the battle,
he tirelessly cared for the wounded.
WOODWARD, EVAN M.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 2d Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry. Place and date: At Fredericksburg,
Va., 13 December 1862. Entered service at: ------. Born: 11 March 1838, Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 14 December
1894. Citation: Advanced between the lines, demanded and received the surrender of the 19th Georgia Infantry and
captured their battle flag.
WOON, JOHN
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1823, England. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 17,
10 July 1863. Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Pittsburg, Mississippi River, 29 April 1863. Engaging the enemy
batteries at Grand Gulf, the U.S.S. Pittsburg, although severely damaged and suffering many personnel casualties,
continued to fire her batteries until ordered to withdraw. Taking part in a similar action after nightfall, the
U.S.S. Pittsburg received further damage, but receiving no personnel casualities in the latter action. Woon showed
courage and devotion to duty throughout these bitter engagements.
WORAM, CHARLES B.
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1845, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31
December 1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Oneida in the engagement at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Acting
as an aid to the executive officer, Woram carried orders intelligently and correctly, distinguishing himself by
his cool courage throughout the battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and the damaging
of Fort Morgan.
WORTICK (WERTICK), JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 8th Missouri Infantry. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 22 May 1863.
Entered service at: Hannibal, Mo. Birth: Fayette County, Pa. Date of issue: 14 July 1894. Citation: Gallantry in
the charge of the "volunteer storming party."
WRAY, WILLIAM J.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company K, 1st Veteran Reserve Corps. Place and date: At Fort Stevens, D.C., 12
July 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 15 December 1892. Citation: Rallied
the company at a critical moment during a change of position under fire.
WRIGHT, ALBERT D.
Rank and organization: Captain, Company G, 43d U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July
1864. Entered service at:------. Born: 10 December 1844, Elkland, Tioga County, Pa. Date of issue: 1 May 1893.
Citation: Advanced beyond the enemy's lines, capturing a stand of colors and its color guard; was severely wounded.
WRIGHT, EDWARD
Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1829, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.:
11, 3 April 1863. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the
taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts
opened fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern Wright conscientiously performed his duties
throughout the action in which attempts by 3 rebel steamers to butt and board were repelled, and the ships driven
off or forced to surrender. Eleven gunboats were successfully engaged and the enemy garrisons captured during this
battle in which the Cayuga sustained 46 hits.
WRIGHT, ROBERT
Rank and organization: Private, Company G, 14th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Chapel House, Farm, Va., 1 October
1864. Entered service at: Woodstock, Conn. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 25 November 1869. Citation: Gallantry
in action.
WRIGHT, SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company H, 2d Minnesota Infantry. Place and date: At Nolensville, Tenn., 15 February
1863. Entered service at: Swan Lake, Minn. Birth: Indiana. Date of issue: 11 September 1897. Citation: Was one
of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the
attack and saved the train.
WRIGHT, SAMUEL C.
Rank and organization: Private, Company E, 29th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Antietam, Md., 17 September
1862. Entered service at: Plympton, Mass. Birth: Plympton, Mass. Date of issue: 29 January 1896. Citation: Voluntarily
advanced under a destructive fire and removed a fence which would have impeded a contemplated charge.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Yoeman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, London, England. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 45, 31
December 1864. Citation: Served as yeoman on board the U.S.S. Monticello during the reconnaissance of the harbor
and water defenses of Wilmington, N.C., 23 to 25 June 1864. Taking part in a reconnaissance of enemy defenses which
covered a period of 2 days and nights, Wright courageously carried out his cutting of a telegraph wire and the
capture of a large group of prisoners. Although in immediate danger from the enemy at all times, Wright showed
gallantry and coolness throughout this action which resulted in the gaining of much vital information of the rebel
defenses.
YEAGER, JACOB F.
Rank and organization: Private, Company H, 101st Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Buzzard's Roost, Ga., 11 May
1864. Entered service at: Tiffin, Ohio. Birth: Lehigh County, Pa. Date of issue: 3 August 1897. Citation: Seized
a shell with fuze burning that had fallen in the ranks of his company and threw it into a stream, thereby probably
saving his comrades from injury.
YOUNG, ANDREW J.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company F, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Place and date: At Paines Crossroads, Va.,
5 April 1865. Entered service at: Carmichaelstown, Pa. Birth: Greene County, Pa. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation:
Capture of flag.
YOUNG, BENJAMIN F.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 17
June 1864. Entered service at: Canada. Born: 1844, Canada. Date of issue: % December 1864. Citation: Capture of
flag of 35th North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.).
YOUNG, CAVALRY M.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company L, 3d Iowa Cavalry. Place and date: At Osage, Kans., 25 October 1864.
Entered service at: Hopeville, Clark County, Iowa. Birth: Washington County, Ohio. Date of issue: 4 April 1865.
Citation: Gallantry in capturing Gen. Cabell.
YOUNG, EDWARD B.
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, Bergan, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 59, 22
June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Calena during the attack on enemy forts at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864.
Securely lashed to the side of the Oneida which had suffered the loss of her steering apparatus and an explosion
of her boiler from enemy fire, the Calena aided the stricken vessel past the enemy forts to safety. Despite heavy
damage to his ship from raking enemy fire, Young performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the action.
YOUNG, HORATIO N.
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 19 July 1845, Calaise, Maine. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Lehigh, Charleston Harbor, 16 November 1863, during the hazardous task of freeing the Lehigh,
which had grounded, and was under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie. After several previous attempts had been
made, Young succeeded in passing in a small boat from the Lehigh to the Nahant with a line bent on a hawser. This
courageous action while under severe enemy fire enabled the Lehigh to be freed from her helpless position.
YOUNG, JAMES M.
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 72d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Wilderness. Va., 6 May 1864.
Entered service at Chautauqua County, N.Y. Birth: Chautauqua County, N.Y. Date of issue: 2 April 1898. Citation:
With 2 companions, voluntarily went forward in the forest to reconnoiter the enemy's position, was fired upon and
one of his companions disabled. Pvt. Young took the wounded man upon his back and, under fire, carried him within
the Union lines.
YOUNG, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. navy. Born: 1835, New York. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 11,
3 April 1863. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking
of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts opened
fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern, Young calmly manned a Parrot gun throughout the action
in which attempts by three rebel steamers to butt and board were thwarted and the ships driven off or captured,
11 gunboats were successfully engaged and garrisons forced to surrender. During the battle, the Cayuga sustained
46 hits.
YOUNKER, JOHN L.
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 12th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Cedar Mountain, Va., 9 August
1862. Entered service at: -----. Birth: Germany. Date of issue: 1 November 1893. Citation: voluntarily carried
an order, at great risk of life in the face of a fire of grape and canister; in doing this he was wounded.