Charles E. Capehart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles E. Capehart
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| Born | 1833 Johnstown, Pennsylvania |
| Died | 1911 (aged 77–78) Washington D.C. |
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held |  1st Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Gettysburg • Fight at Monterey Pass |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles E. Capehart (1833–1911) was an officer in the U.S. Cavalry during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for action following the Battle of Gettysburg on July 4, 1863.
Military service
Capehart enlisted in the Union Army and was commissioned captain and placed in command of Company A, 1st West Virginia Cavalry. He was promoted to major on June 6, 1863. Major Capehart assumed command of the regiment during the Battle of Gettysburg when Colonel Nathaniel P. Richmond had to assume command of the regiment's brigade after brigade commander Elon J. Farnsworth was killed leading a charge. On July 4, 1863, Capehart's regiment charged down a mountainside at night during a thunderstorm, attacking and capturing a retreating Confederate wagon train. This act would lead to the awarding of the Medal of Honor.
Capehart was promoted to lieutenant colonel on August 1, 1864. His brother, General Henry Capehart was also awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Civil War. Capehart died on July 11, 1911, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
