List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: M–P facts for kids
This is a list of brave soldiers and sailors who received the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. Many of these awards were given for capturing or saving regimental flags. During the Civil War, these flags were super important! They helped soldiers know where to gather and how to move. Losing a flag could really mess up a unit, sometimes even more than losing their leader.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award given by the United States government. It's given to members of the U.S. armed forces who show amazing bravery and courage, risking their lives far beyond what's expected, especially when fighting an enemy. Because of how dangerous these actions are, the medal is often given after a person has died.
Contents
Medal of Honor Recipients: M to P
This list shows recipients in alphabetical order by their last name. If a person received the Medal of Honor after they died, it's marked with a star (*).
This along with the *, indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Picture | Name | Service Branch | Rank | Unit/Command | Where it Happened | When it Happened | What They Did |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arthur MacArthur, Jr. | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee | Nov 25, 1863 | He was the father of General Douglas MacArthur, who also earned a Medal of Honor. | |
|
James Machon | Navy | Boy | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served bravely on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
|
Alexander Mack | Navy | Captain of the Top | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served bravely on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
|
John Mack | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Hendrick Hudson (1859) | Mar 5, 1865 – Mar 6, 1865 | As a seaman, he helped the Army with Navy cannons during an attack on St. Marks, Florida. He worked hard to move the gun during the fierce fight. |
John F. Mackie | Marine Corps | Corporal | ![]() |
Aboard USS Galena, Drewry's Bluff | May 15, 1862 | He was the first Marine to ever receive the Medal of Honor. | |
|
Michael Madden | Army | Private | ![]() |
Masons Island, Maryland | Sep 3, 1861 | He helped a wounded friend to the riverbank and, under heavy enemy fire, swam with him across the Potomac River to safety. |
|
William Madden | Navy | Coal Heaver | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served bravely on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
|
James Madison | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia | Mar 2, 1865 | He helped recapture General Crook's headquarters flag. |
|
William Magee | Army | Drummer | ![]() |
Third Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Dec 5, 1864 | In a charge, he was among the first to reach an enemy cannon battery. With one or two others, he rode the artillery horses and brought two guns back to the Union lines. |
|
Jeremiah Mahoney | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Sanders, Knoxville, Tennessee | November 29, 1863 | He captured the flag of the 17th Mississippi Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
Harry J. Mandy | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Front Royal, Virginia | Aug 15, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 3rd Virginia Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
Richard C. Mangam | Army | Private | ![]() |
Hatcher's Run, Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 8th Mississippi Infantry (Confederate Army). |
Joseph S. Manning | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Sanders, Knoxville, Tennessee | November 29, 1863 | He captured the flag of the 17th Mississippi Infantry (Confederate Army). | |
William Marland | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Grand Coteau, Louisiana | Nov 3, 1863 | After being surrounded by enemy cavalry, and his support surrendering, he ordered a charge and saved his section of the battery. | |
Charles Marquette | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | Even though he was wounded, Sergeant Marquette was one of the first to plant his unit's flag on the enemy's defenses. | |
Albert Marsh | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
Charles H. Marsh | Army | Private | ![]() |
Back Creek Valley, Virginia | Jul 31, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag and the soldier carrying it. | |
|
George Marsh | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Elk River, Tennessee | Jul 2, 1863 | He bravely led a small group under heavy fire to capture a stockade and save a bridge. |
|
Edward S. Martin | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Galena, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | Despite his ship being heavily damaged, Martin performed his duties with great skill and courage. |
|
George Martin | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Millerstown, Pennsylvania | Jul 1863 | He enlisted under the name Martin Schwenk, and his medal was first issued under that name. |
|
James Martin, II | Marine Corps | Sergeant | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | Despite his ship being damaged and losing men, Sergeant Martin bravely fought his gun during a two-hour battle. |
Sylvester H. Martin | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Globe Tavern, Virginia | Aug 19, 1864 | He bravely went on a very dangerous scouting mission, finding the enemy's position, which helped his division stop a strong attack. | |
|
William Martin | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Benton, Yazoo River Expedition | December 27, 1862 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Benton during an attack on Hayne's Bluff. |
|
William Martin | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Varuna, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 | He was the captain of a gun on the USS Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip. |
Elihu H. Mason | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was the fourth person to receive the Medal of Honor. | |
William H. Mathews | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He enlisted under the name Henry Sivel, and his first Medal of Honor was issued under that name. A new medal was issued in 1900 under his real name. | |
John C. Matthews | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He bravely took the colors when the soldier carrying them was hurt. Even though he was badly wounded himself, he carried the flag until the enemy's defenses were captured. | |
|
Milton Matthews | Army | Private | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 7th Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
Henry B. Mattingly | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Jonesborough, Georgia | Sep 1, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 6th and 7th Arkansas Infantry (Confederate Army). |
Charles P. Mattocks | Army | Major | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He showed amazing courage leading a charge that captured many prisoners and an enemy flag. | |
Lowell M. Maxham | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | Even though he was badly wounded and under deadly enemy fire, he bravely rushed forward. He was among the first to enter the enemy's defenses and helped plant his regiment's flag there. | |
|
William May | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 16, 1864 | He ran ahead of his regiment over the enemy's defenses and captured the flag of Bouanchaud's Battery from Louisiana. |
|
John B. Mayberry | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. | Jul 3, 1863 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
William B. Mayes | Army | Private | ![]() |
Near Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia | Jun 15, 1864 | With one friend, under heavy enemy fire, he rescued a wounded comrade who had fallen between the lines and carried him to safety. |
George H. Maynard | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia | Dec 13, 1862 | A wounded and helpless friend was left on the skirmish line. This soldier bravely returned to the front under heavy fire and carried the wounded man to safety. | |
Peter McAdams | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Salem Heights, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | He went 250 yards in front of his regiment towards the enemy and, under fire, brought a wounded and unconscious friend back to his lines. | |
|
Benjamin F. McAlwee | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He picked up a shell with a burning fuse and threw it over the wall into a ditch, where it exploded. This action likely saved the lives of his friends, even though it was very dangerous for him. |
Charles McAnally | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | In a hand-to-hand fight with the enemy, he captured a flag. He was wounded while doing this but kept fighting until he was wounded a second time. | |
William W. McCammon | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Second Battle of Corinth, Mississippi | Oct 3, 1862 | While serving as a military police officer, he bravely took command of his company, which was under fire. He stayed in command until the enemy was defeated the next day. | |
|
Bernard McCarren | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
Joseph McCauslln | Army | Private | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He showed remarkable bravery as a flag bearer during the attack on Fort Gregg. |
Charles H. McCleary | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 16, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 4th Florida Infantry (Confederate Army) while ahead of his own lines. | |
|
James M. McClelland | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
|
Matthew McClelland | Navy | First Class Fireman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Siege of Port Hudson | March 14, 1863 | While serving on the USS Richmond, the ship's engine room filled with steam after being hit. McClelland bravely went into the steam-filled room to put out the fires, saving the ship. |
Samuel McConnell | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | Leading his company, Captain McConnell faced intense fire. He reached the enemy's defenses with only one other soldier. He was knocked down by a cannon blast but got up, entered the gun pit, and captured a Confederate flag and its guard with his last pistol shot. | |
|
Michael McCormick | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Signal, Red River Campaign | May 5, 1864 | He served as gun captain on the USS Signal. Even though he was wounded early in the battle, he bravely stayed at his gun until ordered to leave. |
Andrew McCornack | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
|
Adam McCullock | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Lackawanna, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served bravely on the USS Lackawanna during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
|
George E. McDonald | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stedman, Virginia | Mar 25, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
John McDonald | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Baron DeKalb, Yazoo River Expedition | December 23, 1862 – December 27, 1862 | He served on the USS Baron de Kalb during the Yazoo River Expedition. |
|
John W. McDonald | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee | Apr 6, 1862 | He was badly wounded while risking his life to carry a wounded and helpless friend to safety. |
|
Samuel O. McElhlnny | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
Patrick H. McEnroe | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Opequon, Virginia | Sep 19, 1864 | He captured the colors of the 36th Virginia Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
Daniel McFall | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured Colonel Barker, who was leading the Confederate brigade that attacked the Union cannons. On the same day, he rescued Lieutenant George W. Harmon of his regiment from the enemy. |
|
John C. McFarland | Navy | Captain of the Forecastle | ![]() |
Aboard USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He stayed at his post while under fire during a successful action against Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay. |
|
Edward McGinn | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
|
Wilson McGonagle | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
|
Andrew J. McGonnigle | Army | Captain and Assistant Quartermaster | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | While serving as chief quartermaster, he was badly wounded while bravely leading an infantry brigade. General Sheridan praised his great courage. |
|
Owen McGough | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Jul 21, 1861 | Through his personal efforts under heavy fire, he managed to save one of his battery's guns from the field, while all the other guns were lost. |
|
John McGowan | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Varuna, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 | McGowan held a very important position on the USS Varuna during attacks on enemy forts and a rebel ship. |
|
Thomas McGraw | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was one of the three soldiers most noted for their bravery in the final attack. |
|
Patrick McGuire | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | With others, he carried a cannon by hand and fired it through a small opening in the enemy's defenses. |
|
Alexander U. McHale | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured a Confederate flag during a charge, threw it over the defenses, and kept going in the attack. |
|
Martin McHugh | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Cincinnati, Operations against Vicksburg | May 27, 1863 | He served on the USS Cincinnati during the attack on Vicksburg and when the ship was sinking. |
|
James McIntosh | Navy | Captain of the Top | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Richmond during the battle against rebel forts and gunboats in Mobile Bay. |
Charles W. McKay | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Rocky Face Ridge, Dug Gap, Georgia | May 8, 1864 | He voluntarily risked his life to rescue a wounded friend who was lying between the lines, under enemy fire. | |
|
George McKee | Army | Color Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He showed great bravery as a flag bearer during the attack on Fort Gregg. |
Nineveh S. McKeen | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Stone River, Tennessee and Battle of Hoover's Gap, Liberty Gap, Tennessee | Dec 30, 1862 and Jun 25, 1863 | He was very brave in the charge at Stone River, where he was wounded three times. At Liberty Gap, he captured the flag of the 8th Arkansas Infantry (Confederate Army). | |
Michael McKeever | Army | Private | ![]() |
Burnt Ordinary, Virginia | Jan 19, 1863 | He was part of a small scouting group that charged and defeated an enemy force six times their size. He led the charge with great courage, going far beyond his duty. | |
William McKnight | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
Aboard USS Varuna, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 | He was the captain of a gun on the USS Varuna during attacks on enemy forts and a rebel ship. | |
Nathaniel A. McKown | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
|
James McLeod | Navy | Captain of the Foretop | ![]() |
Aboard USS Pensacola, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 – April 25, 1862 | He was a volunteer from the Colorado and served on the USS Pensacola during the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip. He operated his gun with great skill and energy, even though no officer was directly supervising him. |
Martin T. McMahon | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of White Oak Swamp, Virginia | Jun 30, 1862 | Under enemy fire, he successfully destroyed a valuable train that had been left behind, preventing it from falling into enemy hands. | |
Francis M. McMillen | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
|
John P. McVeane* | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Fredericksburg Heights, Virginia | May 4, 1863 | He shot a Confederate flag bearer and took the flag. He also approached a barn alone between the lines and demanded and received the surrender of several enemy soldiers inside. |
|
Walter F. McWhorter | Army | Commissary Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 6th Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
George W. McWilliams | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Pontoosuc, First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher | Dec 24, 1864 – Feb 22, 1865 | He served on the USS Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington. |
|
George E. Meach | Army | Farrier | ![]() |
Battle of Opequon, Virginia | Sep 19, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
Thomas Meagher | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | He led a section of his men in an attack on the enemy's defenses and was wounded while climbing over a wall. |
George W. Mears | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 2, 1863 | With five volunteers, he bravely charged a group of enemy sharpshooters hidden in a log house, captured them, and brought them back to the Union lines. | |
|
Charles Melville | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the flagship USS Hartford during the battle against rebel gunboats and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay. |
|
John W. Menter | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
Henry C. Merriam | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He volunteered to attack the enemy's defenses before orders were given. When he got permission, he led a very brave assault. | |
|
James K. Merrifield | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Second Battle of Franklin, Tennessee | Nov 30, 1864 | He captured two enemy battle flags and brought them back to his own lines. |
Augustus Merrill | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | With six men, he captured 69 Confederate prisoners and rescued several Union soldiers who had been taken by the enemy. | |
|
George Merrill | Army | Private | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He bravely went forward with the front of the column and cut down the enemy's wooden defenses. |
John G. Merritt | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Jul 21, 1861 | He showed great bravery in action and was wounded while capturing a flag ahead of his regiment. | |
|
Henry Coddington Meyer | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | During an attack and under heavy fire, he heroically helped a wounded and helpless officer, saving his life. He was severely wounded while doing this brave act. |
James Mifflin | Navy | Engineer's Cook | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. | |
Nelson A. Miles | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 2, 1863 – May 3, 1863 | He held an advanced position with his command against repeated enemy attacks. | |
|
Andrew Miller | Marine Corps | Sergeant | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Richmond during the Battle of Fort Morgan. |
|
Frank Miller | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 25th Battalion Virginia Infantry (Confederate Army). He was taken prisoner but managed to keep his captured flag until he was rescued. |
|
Henry A. Miller | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
Jacob C. Miller | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
James Miller | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Marblehead | December 25, 1863 | He served as quartermaster on the USS Marblehead during a fight with the enemy on John's Island. He acted bravely under fierce enemy fire throughout the battle. | |
James P. Miller | Army | Private | ![]() |
Selma, Alabama | April 2, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 12th Mississippi Cavalry (Confederate Army). | |
|
John Miller | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He captured two enemy flags. |
|
John Miller | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia | Mar 2, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
William E. Miller | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | Without orders, he led a charge of his squadron on the enemy's side, stopping their attack and scattering the back of their column. | |
|
Daniel Milliken | Navy | Quarter Gunner | ![]() |
Aboard USS New Ironsides, First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher | Dec 1864 – Jan 1865 | Milliken served on the USS New Ironsides during several attacks on Fort Fisher. |
|
Charles Mills | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Minnesota, Second Battle of Fort Fisher | Jan 15, 1865 | He served on the USS Minnesota during the attack on Fort Fisher. |
Frank W. Mills | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Sandy Cross Roads, North Carolina | Sep 4, 1862 | While scouting, this soldier, leading only 3 or 4 men, found the enemy and charged them without orders. The rest of his troops followed, and the entire enemy force of 120 men was captured. | |
George W. Mindil | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Williamsburg, Virginia | May 5, 1862 | As an aide, he led a charge with part of a regiment, broke through the enemy's center, silenced some of their cannons, and got behind them, forcing them to leave their position. | |
|
Alexander H. Mitchell | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 18th North Carolina Infantry (Confederate Army) in a personal fight with the flag bearer. |
|
Theodore Mitchell | Army | Private | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He captured the flag of the Tennessee Brigade (Confederate Army). |
John H. Moffitt | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Gaines' Mill, Virginia | Jun 27, 1862 | He bravely picked up the regimental colors after several flag bearers had been shot down and carried them until he was wounded himself. | |
|
Archibald Molbone | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was one of 20 chosen artillerymen who volunteered to go with an infantry attack party. They then turned the captured enemy guns against the enemy. |
Hugh Molloy | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Fort Hindman | March 2, 1864 | He served on the USS Fort Hindman during a battle near Harrisonburg, Louisiana. | |
Patrick Monaghan | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | He recaptured the colors of the 7th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment. | |
|
Robert Montgomery | Navy | Captain of the Afterguard | ![]() |
Aboard USS Agawam, First Battle of Fort Fisher | December 23, 1864 | Montgomery served on the USS Agawam as part of a volunteer crew for a powder boat that exploded near Fort Fisher. |
|
Charles Moore | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Marblehead | Dec 25, 1863 | He served on the USS Marblehead during a fight with the enemy on John's Island. |
|
Charles Moore | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France | Jun 19, 1864 | He served as a seaman on the USS Kearsarge when it destroyed the enemy ship Alabama off Cherbourg, France. |
|
Daniel B. Moore | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He risked his own life to save an officer who had been shot down and surrounded by many enemy soldiers. |
|
George Moore | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Rhode Island, loss of USS Monitor | December 30, 1862 | He served on the USS Rhode Island, which was involved in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the USS Monitor. |
|
George G. Moore | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fisher's Hill, Virginia | Sep 22, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
Wilbur F. Moore | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 16, 1864 | He captured the flag of a Confederate cannon battery while far ahead of the Union lines. |
|
William Moore | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Benton | December 27, 1862 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Benton during the attack on Hayne's Bluff, Yazoo River. |
Delano Morey | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of McDowell, Virginia | May 8, 1862 | After his unit's charge was stopped, he rushed forward alone with an empty gun and captured two enemy sharpshooters. | |
|
Jerome Morford | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
|
James H. Morgan | Navy | Captain of the Top | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | As captain of a gun on the USS Richmond, he fought bravely during the battle against rebel forts and gunboats in Mobile Bay. |
|
Lewis Morgan | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured a flag from the enemy's defenses. |
Richard H. Morgan | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Columbus, Georgia | Apr 16, 1865 | He captured a flag inside the enemy's defenses, fighting the soldier who carried it for its possession. | |
Walter Goodale Morrill | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Second Battle of Rappahannock Station, Virginia | Nov 7, 1863 | Learning that an attack was planned, he bravely joined the storming party with about 50 men from his regiment and helped greatly in the assault. | |
William Morris | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 40th Virginia Infantry (Confederate Army). | |
Francis Morrison | Army | Private | ![]() |
Bermuda Hundred Campaign, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | He bravely exposed himself to heavy fire to bring a wounded friend to safety. | |
John G. Morrison | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
Aboard USS Carondelet | July 15, 1862 | He was praised for his good conduct and heroic actions, inspiring the crew during a fight with a rebel ship on the Yazoo River. | |
Benjamin Morse | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured the colors of the 4th Georgia Battery (Confederate Army). | |
Charles E. Morse | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia | May 5, 1864 | He bravely rushed back into enemy lines, took the colors from the flag sergeant who was dying, and even though he was wounded himself, carried them through the fight. | |
|
Charles W. Morton | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Benton, Yazoo River Expedition | December 23, 1862 – December 27, 1862 | He showed extraordinary heroism on the USS Benton during the expedition. |
|
John W. Mostoller | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Lynchburg, Virginia | Jun 18, 1864 | He bravely led a charge on a Confederate cannon battery (since the company's officers were hurt) and forced them to quickly move their guns. |
St. Clair A. Mulholland | Army | Major | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 4, 1863 – May 5, 1863 | He commanded the picket line and held the enemy back all night to cover the Army's retreat. | |
|
Patrick Mullen | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Wyandank, Mattox Creek | Mar 17, 1865 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Wyandank during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek. |
|
Patrick Mullen | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Don | May 1, 1865 | He showed extraordinary heroism on the USS Don by saving an officer from drowning. |
|
Walter L. Mundell | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
Harvey M. Munsell | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 1, 1863 – Jul 3, 1863 | He showed brave and courageous conduct as a flag bearer. He carried his regiment's colors through 13 battles! | |
Charles J. Murphy | Army | First Lieutenant and Quartermaster | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Jul 21, 1861 | He bravely took a rifle and fought with his regiment. When the regiment had to retreat, he stayed behind to care for the wounded and was captured. | |
|
Daniel J. Murphy | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Hatchers Run, Virginia | Oct 27, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 47th North Carolina Infantry (Confederate Army). |
|
Denis J. F. Murphy | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Second Battle of Corinth, Mississippi | Oct 3, 1862 | Even though he was wounded three times, he carried the colors throughout the entire battle. |
|
James T. Murphy | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stedman, Petersburg, Virginia | Mar 25, 1865 | When an enemy silenced a cannon, this soldier bravely helped operate it, acting with courage and fearlessness throughout the fight. |
|
John P. Murphy | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland | Sep 17, 1862 | He captured the flag of the 13th Alabama Infantry (Confederate Army). |
Michael C. Murphy | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of North Anna, Virginia | May 24, 1864 | This officer, commanding the regiment, kept it on the field under enemy fire for three hours without being able to fire back because they ran out of ammunition. | |
Patrick Murphy | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Metacomet, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Metacomet during the battle against rebel forts and gunboats in Mobile Bay. | |
|
Robinson B. Murphy | Army | Musician | ![]() |
Battle of Ezra Church, Atlanta, Georgia | Jul 28, 1864 | As an orderly to the brigade commander, he bravely led two regiments as reinforcements into battle, where his horse was shot from under him. |
|
Thomas Murphy | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 30, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
Thomas C. Murphy | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He bravely crossed the line of heavy fire from both Union and Confederate forces to deliver a message to stop one Union regiment from firing on another. |
|
Thomas J. Murphy | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Five Forks, Virginia | Apr 1, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
George S. Myers | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia | Sep 19, 1863 | He saved the regimental colors through great personal dedication and bravery. | |
|
William H. Myers | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia | Apr 9, 1865 | He showed great bravery in action and was wounded five times. |
N
Recipients are listed alphabetically by last name. Posthumous receipt is denoted by an asterisk.
This along with the *, indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Picture | Name | Service Branch | Rank | Unit/Command | Where it Happened | When it Happened | What They Did |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Henry H. Nash | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 3, 1863 | He was part of a group that volunteered to try and pass the enemy's defenses with a steam tug and two barges full of supplies. |
|
David Naylor | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Oneida, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He was recognized for his actions on the USS Oneida during the battle at Mobile Bay. |
Zachariah C. Neahr | Army | Private | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He bravely went forward with the front of the column and cut down the enemy's wooden defenses. | |
|
John Neil | Navy | Quarter Gunner | ![]() |
Aboard USS Agawam, First Battle of Fort Fisher | December 23, 1864 | He was recognized for his actions while serving on the USS Agawam, as part of a volunteer crew for a powder boat that exploded near Fort Fisher. |
|
Edwin M. Neville | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
William D. Newland | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Oneida, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | Newland showed great conduct and faithfully performed his duties on the USS Oneida, acting splendidly under enemy fire during the battle. | |
Marcellus J. Newman | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Resaca, Georgia | May 14, 1864 | He bravely returned, facing heavy enemy fire, and rescued a wounded friend who had been left behind as the regiment retreated. | |
|
William H. Newman | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Near Amelia Springs, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
John H. Nibbe | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Petrel | April 22, 1864 | He served as quartermaster on the USS Petrel when it was captured in the Yazoo River. | |
Henry C. Nichols | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He bravely went on a scouting mission ahead of his regiment's line and, under heavy fire, gathered very important information. | |
|
William Nichols | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
Robert Niven | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia | Mar 2, 1865 | He captured two enemy flags. | |
|
Daniel Noble | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Metacomet, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | As a landsman on the USS Metacomet, Noble was part of the boat crew that rescued the USS Tecumseh when it was hit by a torpedo in Mobile Bay. |
John J. Nolan | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Georgia Landing, Louisiana | Oct 27, 1862 | Even though he was knocked down by a cannon shot, he refused to give up the flag he was carrying as his regiment's flag bearer and continued to carry it throughout the battle. | |
Conrad Noll | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He grabbed the colors after the flag bearer was shot down and bravely fought his way out with them, even though the enemy was on his left and behind him. | |
|
Jasper N. North | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
Elliott M. Norton | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He rushed ahead of his column and captured the flag of the 44th Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army). | |
|
John R. Norton | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
Llewellyn P. Norton | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He charged the enemy and, with the help of Corporal Bringle, captured a cannon and two prisoners. | |
William W. Noyes | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | Standing on top of the defenses, he calmly aimed and fired at least 15 shots into the enemy's lines, which were only a few yards away. | |
|
Christopher Nugent | Marine Corps | Orderly Sergeant | ![]() |
Aboard USS Fort Henry | June 15, 1863 | He was recognized for his actions while serving on the USS Fort Henry in Crystal River, Florida. |
Lee Nutting | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Todd's Tavern, Virginia | May 8, 1864 | He led the regiment in a charge at a very important moment under deadly fire until he fell, badly wounded. |
O
Recipients are listed alphabetically by last name. Posthumous receipt is denoted by an asterisk.
This along with the *, indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Picture | Name | Service Branch | Rank | Unit/Command | Where it Happened | When it Happened | What They Did |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James R. O'Beirne | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia | May 31, 1862 – Jun 1, 1862 | He bravely held the battle line until ordered to fall back. | |
Henry D. O'Brien | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He picked up the colors where they had fallen and rushed ahead of his regiment, very close to the enemy's guns. He fought in a desperate struggle where the enemy was defeated, and even though he was badly wounded, he held the colors until wounded a second time. | |
|
Oliver O'Brien | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
Aboard USS John Adams | November 28, 1864 | He took part in boarding an enemy blockade runner (a ship trying to sneak past a naval blockade) under heavy enemy fire. He performed his duties quickly and bravely. |
|
Peter O'Brien | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia | Mar 2, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag and a Confederate officer with his horse and equipment. |
|
Thomas O'Connell | Navy | Coal Heaver | ![]() |
Aboard USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the flagship USS Hartford during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
Albert O'Connor | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Gravelly Run, Virginia | Mar 31, 1865 – Apr 1, 1865 | On March 31, 1865, with a friend, he recaptured a Union officer from nine Confederates, capturing three of them. On April 1, 1865, he seized a Confederate flag, killing an officer in a hand-to-hand fight for it, and kept the flag until he was surrounded. | |
|
Timothy O'Connor | Army | Private | ![]() |
Malvern, Virginia | Jul 28, 1864 | Private O'Connor captured the flag of the Confederate 18th North Carolina Infantry. For his extreme bravery, he received the Medal of Honor. |
John O'Dea | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." | |
Menomen O'Donnell | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Fort DeRussey, Louisiana | May 22, 1863 and Mar 14, 1864 | He bravely joined the flag guard in the attack on the enemy's defenses when he saw them hesitating, and made sure his regiment's colors were planted on the wall. He also bravely joined an attacking column (while on staff duty) and rode with it into the enemy's defenses, being the only mounted officer there, and was wounded twice. | |
|
Timothy O'Donoghue | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Signal, Red River Campaign | May 5, 1864 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Signal on the Red River. |
|
Charles Oliver | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stedman, Petersburg, Virginia | Mar 25, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 31st Georgia Infantry (Confederate Army). |
Paul A. Oliver | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Resaca, Georgia | May 15, 1864 | While serving as an aide, he helped prevent a disaster caused by Union troops accidentally firing on each other. | |
Stephen O'Neill | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 1, 1863 | He picked up the colors from the hands of the flag bearer who had been shot down and carried them through the rest of the battle. | |
John N. Opel | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia | May 5, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 50th Virginia Infantry (Confederate Army). | |
David Orbansky | Army | Private | ![]() |
Shiloh, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi, etc. | 1862 – 1863 | He showed great bravery in various actions. | |
Charles A. Orr | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia | Oct 27, 1864 | This soldier and two others bravely and voluntarily rescued several wounded and helpless soldiers under fire. | |
Robert L. Orr | Army | Major | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He carried the colors at the front of the attacking column after two flag bearers had been shot down. | |
|
John Ortega | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Saratoga | December 31, 1864 | He served as a seaman during two actions, performing his duties bravely and gallantly. He was later promoted to acting master's mate. |
Jacob G. Orth | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland | Sep 17, 1862 | He captured the flag of the 7th South Carolina Infantry (Confederate Army) in a hand-to-hand fight, even though he was wounded in the shoulder. | |
William H. Osborne | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia | Jul 1, 1862 | Even though he was wounded and taken to the back, he got a rifle and bravely returned to the front. When he couldn't find his own regiment, he joined another and fought with them until he was severely wounded again and captured. | |
|
Albert Oss | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | He stayed in the rifle pits after others had retreated, firing constantly and fighting for every inch of ground. |
|
Jacob H. Overturf | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
Miles M. Oviatt | Marine Corps | Corporal | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He was recognized for his actions against rebel forts and gunboats in Mobile Bay. |
P
Recipients are listed alphabetically by last name. Posthumous receipt is denoted by an asterisk.
This along with the *, indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
Picture | Name | Service Branch | Rank | Unit/Command | Where it Happened | When it Happened | What They Did |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Loron F. Packard | Army | Private | ![]() |
Raccoon Ford, Virginia | November 27, 1863 | After his unit had retreated, this soldier bravely returned alone to help a friend and rescued him from three armed Confederates. |
George H. Palmer | Army | Musician | ![]() |
Lexington, Missouri | September 20, 1861 | He volunteered to fight in the trenches and also led a charge that recaptured a Union hospital, along with the Confederate sharpshooters who were occupying it. | |
John G. Palmer | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia | Dec 13, 1862 | He was the first of six men who volunteered to help a cannon gunner who was under heavy enemy fire. He fought with the battery until the end of the battle. His commanding officer thought he would never see him alive again. | |
William J. Palmer | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Red Hill, Alabama | Jan 14, 1865 | He attacked and defeated a larger enemy force without losing a single man. | |
Thomas Parker | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia and Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 and Apr 6, 1865 | He planted the first flag on the enemy's defenses. He also carried the regimental colors over the creek after his regiment had broken and been pushed back. | |
|
William Parker | Navy | Captain of the Afterguard | ![]() |
Aboard USS Cayuga, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 – April 25, 1862 | He was at the ship's wheel on the USS Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson, and New Orleans. |
|
George Parks | Navy | Captain of the Forecastle | ![]() |
Aboard USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Richmond during the battle against rebel forts and gunboats in Mobile Bay. |
Henry J. Parks | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | While alone and ahead of his unit, trying to cut off a supply wagon's retreat, he fought and made a Confederate flag bearer flee. After capturing the flag bearer, he returned to the front and captured three more wagons and drivers. | |
|
James W. Parks | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 16, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. |
Jacob Parrott | Army | Private | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was the very first person to receive the Medal of Honor. | |
|
Joel Parsons | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
John H. Patterson | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia | May 5, 1864 | Under heavy fire from the advancing enemy, he picked up a wounded officer from his regiment who was helpless and would have been burned in the forest. He carried him several hundred yards to safety. | |
|
John T. Patterson | Army | Principal Musician | ![]() |
Second Battle of Winchester, Virginia | Jun 14, 1863 | With one friend, he bravely went in front of the Union line, under heavy enemy fire, and carried back a helpless wounded friend, saving him from death or capture. |
William H. Paul | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland | Sep 17, 1862 | Under extremely heavy and focused fire, he bravely picked up his regiment's colors when the flag bearer and two guards had been killed, and carried them throughout the entire battle. | |
Byron E. Pay | Army | Private | ![]() |
Nolensville, Tennessee | Feb 15, 1863 | He was one of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against an attack by 125 cavalry, pushing back the attack and saving the train. | |
|
Irvin C. Payne | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured the Virginia State colors. |
Thomas H. L. Payne | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | While serving as regimental quartermaster, he learned of an expected attack and asked to be assigned to a company that had no officers present. He was assigned and was one of the first to lead his men into the enemy's defenses. | |
|
Platt Pearsall | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery during the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
Alfred L. Pearson | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Lewis's Farm, Virginia | Mar 29, 1865 | Seeing a brigade forced back by the enemy, he grabbed his regimental flag, called on his men to follow him, and advanced on the enemy under heavy fire. The entire brigade then moved forward, the lost ground was taken back, and the enemy was defeated. | |
Joachim Pease | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France | June 19, 1864 | He served as a seaman on the USS Kearsarge when it destroyed the enemy ship Alabama off Cherbourg, France. | |
Cassius Peck | Army | Private | ![]() |
Near Blackburn's Ford, Virginia | Sep 19, 1862 | He took command of the soldiers he could gather and attacked and captured a Confederate cannon battery of four guns. Also, during a scouting mission, he caught and captured a Confederate soldier. | |
|
Oscar E. Peck | Navy | Second Class Boy | ![]() |
Aboard USS Varuna, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 | Peck served as a second class boy on the Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip. |
Theodore S. Peck | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Newport Barracks, North Carolina | Feb 2, 1864 | By resisting for a long time and burning bridges, he kept a larger enemy force at bay and covered the garrison's retreat. | |
James K. Peirsol | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Paines Crossroads, Virginia | Apr 5, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
William Pelham | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Hartford, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the flagship USS Hartford during successful actions in Mobile Bay. | |
Galusha Pennypacker | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He bravely led the charge over a defensive wall and planted the colors of one of his regiments there. He was severely wounded. | |
Patrick H. Pentzer | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakeley, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He was among the first to enter the enemy's trenches and received the surrender of a Confederate general officer and his headquarters flag. | |
|
Thomas Perry | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard off Cherbourg, France | June 19, 1864 | He served as boatswain's mate on the USS Kearsarge when it destroyed the enemy ship Alabama off Cherbourg, France. |
|
Joseph Pesch | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Grand Gulf, Mississippi | Apr 28, 1863 – Apr 29, 1863 | With two friends, he bravely took a position on the steamer Cheeseman, in charge of all the battery's guns and ammunition. He stayed in charge even though the steamer became hard to control and was under heavy enemy fire for some time. |
|
Henry C. Peters | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 3, 1863 | He was part of a group that volunteered to try and pass the enemy's defenses with a steam tug and two barges full of supplies. |
|
Alfred Peterson | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Commodore Perry | October 3, 1862 | He served on the USS Commodore Perry during the attack on Franklin, Virginia. |
Philip Petty | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia | Dec 13, 1862 | He picked up the colors as they fell from the hands of the wounded flag bearer and carried them forward in the charge. | |
Charles E. Phelps | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Laurel Hill, Virginia | May 8, 1864 | He rode to the front of the attacking column, which was broken and struggling under heavy artillery fire. He bravely placed himself in front of the troops, rallied them, and led them to within a few feet of the enemy's defenses, where he was severely wounded and captured. | |
|
Josiah Phillips | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Sutherland's Station, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. |
|
William Phinney | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Lackawanna, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Lackawanna during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
Frederick Phisterer | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Stones River, Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Dec 31, 1862 | He bravely delivered information under heavy fire to the commander of a battalion of regular troops, which saved the battalion from being captured or destroyed. | |
Alonzo H. Pickle | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Deep Bottom, Virginia | Aug 14, 1864 | He risked his life to bravely go help a wounded officer who was lying close to the enemy's lines and, under fire, carried him to safety. | |
Edward M. Pike | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Cotton Plant, Arkansas | Jul 7, 1862 | While the troops were retreating from a larger enemy force, this soldier, with one friend, and under heavy fire at close range, saved a cannon from being captured by the enemy. | |
Samuel E. Pingree | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Lee's Mills, Virginia | Apr 16, 1862 | He bravely led his company across a wide, deep creek, drove the enemy from their rifle pits (which were very close to the bank), and stayed at the front of his men until he was severely wounded a second time. | |
Charles H. Pinkham | Army | Sergeant Major | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stedman, Virginia | Mar 25, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 57th North Carolina Infantry (Confederate Army) and saved his own unit's colors by tearing them from the staff while the enemy was in the camp. | |
Robert Pinn | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | He took command of his company after all the officers had been killed or wounded and bravely led it in battle. | |
James Pipes | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Second Battle of Ream's Station, Virginia | Jul 2, 1863 and Aug 25, 1864 | While a sergeant retreating with his company at Gettysburg, he and a friend stopped and carried a wounded and helpless comrade to safety. Both he and his friend were badly wounded doing this. A year later, at Reams Station, he bravely helped stop an enemy flank movement while commanding a skirmish line, and was severely wounded, losing an arm. | |
|
George J. Pitman | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured the flag of the Sumter Heavy Artillery (Confederate Army). |
William Pittenger | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was the fifth person to receive the Medal of Honor. | |
Henry E. Plant | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina | Mar 19, 1865 | He rushed into the middle of the enemy and rescued the colors, as the flag bearer had fallen mortally wounded. | |
George C. Platt | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fairfield, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He grabbed the regimental flag when the standard bearer died in a hand-to-hand fight, stopping it from falling into enemy hands. | |
William Plimley | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Hatcher's Run, Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | While serving as an aide to a general, he bravely joined a regiment in an attack on the enemy's defenses and led the movement that resulted in the enemy's defeat and the capture of many prisoners. | |
George H. Plowman | Army | Sergeant Major | ![]() |
Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | He recaptured the colors of the 2nd Pennsylvania Provisional Artillery. | |
Thomas Plunkett | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Fredericksburg, Virginia | December 11, 1862 | He grabbed his regiment's colors after the flag bearer was shot down and carried them to the front, where both his arms were blown off by a shell. | |
|
George F. Pond | Army | Private | ![]() |
Drywood, Kansas | May 15, 1864 | With two friends, he attacked a much larger force of guerrillas, defeated them, and rescued several prisoners. |
James Pond | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Baxter Springs, Kansas | Oct 6, 1863 | While commanding two cavalry companies, he was surprised and attacked by many more guerrillas than he had. He bravely rallied his men, and after a tough fight, drove the enemy outside the fortifications. Lieutenant Pond then went outside the defenses alone and fired a howitzer three times, confusing the enemy and making them retreat. | |
|
William B. Poole | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
Aboard USS Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France | June 19, 1864 | He served as a Quartermaster on the USS Kearsarge when it sank the enemy ship CSS Alabama. He received his Medal of Honor for his bravery under fire while steering the ship. |
|
Ambrose Porter | Army | Commissary Sergeant | ![]() |
Tallahatchie River, Mississippi | Aug 7, 1864 | He was one of four volunteers who swam the river under enemy sharpshooter fire and brought over a ferry boat, which allowed the troops to cross and remove the enemy from a strong position. |
Horace Porter | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia | Sep 20, 1863 | While serving as a volunteer aide, at a critical moment when the lines were broken, he rallied enough scattered soldiers to hold the ground under heavy fire long enough for wagon trains and cannons to escape. | |
John Reed Porter | Army | Private | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was one of 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, under General Mitchell's orders, went almost 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train in Georgia, trying to destroy bridges and tracks. | |
|
William Porter | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He was among the first to stop the enemy's countercharge. |
Philip S. Post | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 15, 1864 – Dec 16, 1864 | He led his brigade in an attack on a strong position under intense fire. He later became a U.S. Representative for Illinois. | |
James P. Postles | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 2, 1863 | He bravely delivered an order while facing heavy enemy fire. | |
|
George W. Potter | Army | Private | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was one of 20 chosen artillerymen who volunteered to go with an infantry attack party, and they turned the captured enemy guns against the enemy. |
|
Norman F. Potter | Army | First Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee | Nov 24, 1863 | He captured an enemy flag (from Bragg's army). |
William Henry Powell | Army | Major | ![]() |
Sinking Creek Raid, Virginia (now West Virginia) | Nov 26, 1862 | He showed outstanding service in a raid where, with 20 men, he charged and captured an enemy camp of 500 soldiers, without losing any men or guns. | |
|
Albert Power | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas | Mar 7, 1862 | Under heavy fire and at great personal risk, he went to help a dismounted friend who was surrounded by the enemy, picked him up on his own horse, and carried him to safety. |
Wesley J. Powers | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Oostanaula, Georgia | Apr 3, 1865 | He bravely swam the river under heavy fire and secured a ferryboat, which allowed his unit to cross. | |
|
George Prance | Navy | Captain of the Main Top | ![]() |
Aboard USS Ticonderoga, First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher | Dec 1864 – Jan 1865 | He served on the USS Ticonderoga during attacks on Fort Fisher. |
Joseph R. Prentice | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Stones River, Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Dec 31, 1862 | He bravely rescued the body of his commanding officer, who had fallen mortally wounded. He carried his dying leader off the field under direct and constant rifle fire. | |
|
John Preston | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Oneida, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Oneida during the battle at Mobile Bay. |
Noble D. Preston | Army | First Lieutenant and Commissary | ![]() |
Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia | Jun 11, 1864 | He bravely led a charge in which he was severely wounded. | |
|
Edward Price | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
Aboard USS Brooklyn, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
|
George Province | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Santiago de Cuba, Second Battle of Fort Fisher | Jan 15, 1865 | He served on the USS Santiago de Cuba during the attack on Fort Fisher. |
Hiram W. Purcell | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia | May 31, 1862 | While carrying the regimental colors during a retreat, he turned to face the advancing enemy, flag in hand, and saved the other colors, which would have otherwise been captured. | |
James J. Purman | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 2, 1863 | He bravely helped a wounded friend to a safe place while the enemy was very close. He was shot by the enemy and received a wound that led to his left leg being amputated. | |
Edgar P. Putnam | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Crumps Creek, Virginia | May 27, 1864 | With a small force on a scouting mission, he drove off a strong group of the enemy, charged into another enemy cavalry force and made them panic, taking 27 prisoners. | |
|
Winthrop D. Putnam | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | With others, he carried a cannon by hand and fired it through a small opening in the enemy's defenses. |
|
George Pyne | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Magnolia Landing Party, Battle of Natural Bridge | Mar 5, 1865 – Mar 6, 1865 | He served as a seaman on the USS Magnolia during actions in St. Marks, Florida. |