Andrew Jackson Smith (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Jackson Smith
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Smith c. 1862
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| Born | September 3, 1843 United States |
| Died | March 4, 1932 (aged 88) Livingston County, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Color Sergeant |
| Unit | 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Andrew Jackson Smith (born September 3, 1843 – died March 4, 1932) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. He earned this honor for his actions during the Battle of Honey Hill.
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Andrew Jackson Smith's Early Life and Escape
Andrew Jackson Smith was born into slavery. His family history tells us he was the son of a slave owner and a slave. When the Civil War began, his owner joined the Confederate army. He planned to take 19-year-old Andrew with him.
But Andrew Smith had other plans. He and another slave ran away. They walked about 25 miles (40 km) in the rain. They finally reached a Union Army group, the 41st Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, in Smithland, Kentucky.
Joining the Union Cause
The soldiers of the 41st Illinois took Smith in. He became a helper for Major John Warner. Smith's duties included returning the Major's belongings if he died.
On March 10, 1862, the regiment moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. A month later, they fought in the Battle of Shiloh. During this battle, Smith showed great courage. He brought Major Warner fresh horses after two of his horses were shot. Smith himself was hit by a bullet near his left temple. The bullet was removed, leaving only a scar.
Heroism at Honey Hill
By November 30, 1864, Smith was a corporal in the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment fought in the Battle of Honey Hill in South Carolina.
The two units faced heavy gunfire. They were crossing a swamp towards an enemy position. The soldier carrying the 55th's battle flags was killed. Without hesitation, Smith grabbed the flags. He carried them through the rest of the battle. This incredibly brave act earned him the Medal of Honor.
Life After the War and Special Recognition
Smith was promoted to color sergeant before he left the Army. After the war, he lived in Kentucky. He bought and sold land there. He passed away at 88 years old. He was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Grand Rivers, Kentucky.
Smith was first nominated for the Medal of Honor in 1916. However, the Army said they didn't have enough official records. Smith's commander had not written about his actions in the battle report.
It took a long time for his bravery to be fully recognized. On January 16, 2001, 137 years after the Battle of Honey Hill, Andrew Jackson Smith finally received his Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented the medal to several of Smith's family members. The ceremony took place at the White House. Former President Theodore Roosevelt also received the medal that day for his actions in the Spanish–American War.
