George Reynolds (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Reynolds
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Civil War era Army Medal of Honor
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| Born | 1839 Ireland |
| Died | March 16, 1889 Manhattan, New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Cemetery of the Evergreens
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit |  Company M, 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Opequon |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
George Reynolds (born 1839, died March 16, 1889) was a brave soldier who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during a big battle called the Battle of Opequon (also known as the Third Battle of Winchester) in Virginia on September 19, 1864.
Life and Military Service
George Reynolds was born in Ireland in 1839. When he was about 22 years old, he moved to the United States. In October 1861, he joined the U.S. Army in New York City. He served as a Private in Company M of the 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.
Reynolds fought for the Union side during the American Civil War. This war was fought between the northern states (the Union) and the southern states (the Confederacy) from 1861 to 1865. He served until October 1864, when his time in the army ended.
Medal of Honor
George Reynolds received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Opequon. This battle happened on September 19, 1864, near Winchester, Virginia. The Medal of Honor is the highest award a soldier can receive for bravery in combat. It is given for acts of extreme courage and self-sacrifice.
Life After the War
After the war ended, George Reynolds decided to study art. He learned from a famous American painter named Thomas Eakins. Reynolds also became a member of The Art Students' League of Philadelphia, which is a well-known art school.
He was even featured in some of Eakins' paintings and early photographs. One very famous painting by Eakins, called "The Veteran," shows George Reynolds. This painting is now kept at Yale University. George Reynolds passed away on March 16, 1889, in Manhattan, New York City. He was buried at the Cemetery of the Evergreens.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: Q-S
