John Wainwright (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wainwright
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Col. John Wainwright, c. 1865
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| Born | July 13, 1839 Syracuse, New York |
| Died | April 15, 1915 (aged 75) Wilmington, Delaware |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (three months' service) 97th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (three years' service, two terms) |
| Commands held | 97th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War:
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| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John Wainwright (born July 13, 1839 – died April 15, 1915) was a brave military officer from the United States. He served during the American Civil War. John Wainwright was born in Syracuse, New York. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. He earned this award for his "gallant and meritorious conduct." This happened while he was a first lieutenant with the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. His actions took place during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in North Carolina on January 15, 1865.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
John Wainwright was born in Syracuse, New York on July 13, 1839. His parents were Samuel Force Wainwright and Maria (Humphry) Wainwright. As a child, his family moved several times. They lived in New Jersey, New York City, and then Delaware. In Delaware, John learned the skill of coach painting. By 1850, he was living in New York City with his mother and three younger brothers.
When the American Civil War began, John Wainwright was living in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was working there as a coach painter.
Serving in the Civil War
John Wainwright was one of the first people from Pennsylvania to join the army. He answered President Lincoln's call for volunteers. This happened after the Battle of Fort Sumter in April 1861. On April 20, he joined the military in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He became a private in Company G of the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment.
First Enlistment
His first service was for three months. He helped with operations in Maryland and Virginia. He fought in the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21. After his service ended, he returned home to Pennsylvania.
Rejoining the Fight
Wainwright quickly decided to join the army again. On September 23, 1861, he became a second sergeant. He joined Company F of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was described as a 28-year-old coach painter. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall.
He was promoted to first sergeant on October 3, 1861. He took part in the Union Army's journey to Point Royal, South Carolina. He also helped in the Siege of Fort Pulaski in Georgia. This long siege lasted from December 1861 to April 1862. During this time, he became a second lieutenant on January 10, 1862.
Key Battles and Promotions
In March 1862, he helped capture Fort Clinch in Florida. He also took part in operations in South Carolina. He fought in the Battle of Secessionville. On June 12, he was shot in the thigh on James Island, South Carolina. After recovering, he returned to duty.
In October 1862, his regiment helped capture Jacksonville, Florida. He was promoted to first lieutenant on May 1, 1863. He temporarily commanded Company H of his regiment. He also participated in the capture of Morris Island, South Carolina. He was part of the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor and the Second Battle of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863.
Later Campaigns
In early 1864, he was still a first lieutenant. He temporarily commanded Company I of his regiment. He then received a leave to visit home. On April 18, 1864, he married Emma M. Edwards in Pennsylvania.
He rejoined his regiment in Virginia on May 14. He temporarily commanded Company E. During this time, he fought in the Battle of Cold Harbor. He then participated in the Siege of Petersburg. This included the Battle of the Crater and the Second Battle of Deep Bottom. On August 25, 1864, he was put in charge of his regiment. He was praised for his bravery during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on October 7, 1864. He also fought in the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road.
He was made a captain on November 1, 1864, though he didn't officially take the rank yet. He fought in the First Battle of Fort Fisher. After this, he was given the honorary rank of major.
Medal of Honor Action
On January 15, 1865, he was again given an honorary rank, this time as a major. He was put in command of the 97th Pennsylvania. This happened because his commanding officer was assigned to lead a larger group of soldiers. During the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, Wainwright was wounded in his right shoulder. He was hit by grape shot. It was during this battle that he showed the great bravery that earned him the Medal of Honor.
After Fort Fisher, he took part in the Carolinas Campaign. This included the Battle of Wilmington in February 1865. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on March 14. Then, he became a colonel of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry on June 1, 1865. He officially took these ranks later.
He was assigned to command a Union post in Gaston, North Carolina. He left the army on August 28, 1865.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, John Wainwright returned home to his wife, Emma. They had three children: Blanche, Gretta Maude, and John D. Wainwright. His son, John D. Wainwright, later became a Navy officer and won the Navy Cross twice.
In the 1870s and 1880s, John Wainwright worked as a merchant selling dry goods. He lived with his family in Wilmington, Delaware. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group for Civil War veterans.
Death and Burial
John Wainwright passed away in Wilmington, Delaware on April 15, 1915. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
