List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: T–Z facts for kids
The American Civil War was a tough time in American history. During this war, many brave soldiers and sailors showed incredible courage. This list tells you about some of these heroes, whose last names start with T through Z. They were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery in the United States. Many of these awards were given for capturing or saving regimental flags. These flags were super important! They were like a unit's heart, guiding their movements and helping soldiers know where to rally. Losing a flag could cause a lot of confusion, sometimes even more than losing a commanding officer.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award given by the United States government. It's given to a member of the U.S. armed forces who shows amazing bravery. This means they act with great courage and fearlessness. They must risk their life far beyond what's expected. This happens while they are fighting against an enemy of the United States. Because of how dangerous these actions are, the medal is often given after the person has died.
Recipients are listed alphabetically by their last name. If a person received the medal after they died, it's marked with an asterisk (*).
This, along with the *, means the Medal of Honor was given after the person died.
T
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit/command | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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William L. S. Tabor | Army | Private | ![]() |
Port Hudson, Louisiana | Jul 1863 | He bravely went into enemy fire to help protect his friends. | |
Charles A. Taggart | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
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William Talbott | Navy | Captain of the Forecastle | ![]() |
USS Louisville (1861) | Jan 10, 1863 – Jan 11, 1863 | He served bravely during the capture of the Arkansas post. |
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James Tallentine* | Navy | Quarter Gunner | ![]() |
USS Tacony (1863) | October 31, 1864 | He served as a quarter gunner during the taking of Plymouth, North Carolina. |
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Charles B. Tanner | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland | Sep 17, 1862 | He carried off his regiment's flag after all nine color guards were killed or wounded. He was also wounded three times. |
Anthony Taylor | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia | Sep 20, 1863 | He held out with a small group against many enemy soldiers. | |
Forrester L. Taylor | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | He showed great bravery in battle. | |
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George Taylor | Navy | Armorer | ![]() |
USS Lackawanna (1862) Fort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He served on board the USS Lackawanna during successful attacks in Mobile Bay. |
Henry H. Taylor | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | Jun 25, 1863 | He was the first to put the Union flag on the enemy's defenses. | |
Joseph Taylor | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Globe Tavern, Virginia | Aug 18, 1864 | Alone, he captured three enemy pickets. | |
Richard Taylor | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. | |
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Thomas Taylor | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS MetacometFort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He encouraged his gun crew when their officer showed fear, even as his ship was heavily damaged. |
William Taylor | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Front Royal, Virginia and Battle of Globe Tavern, Virginia | May 23, 1862 and Aug 19, 1864 | He burned a bridge while wounded to stop the enemy. Later, he volunteered for a dangerous scouting mission and was captured. | |
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William G. Taylor | Navy | Captain of the Forecastle | ![]() |
USS TiconderogaFirst Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 24, 1864 – Dec 25, 1864 | He performed his duties calmly and skillfully during attacks on Fort Fisher, even after a deadly explosion on his ship. |
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John D. Terry | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
New Bern, North Carolina | Mar 14, 1862 | He was in the thick of the fight and kept encouraging his men even after losing a leg. |
Benjamin Thackrah | Army | Private | ![]() |
Near Fort Gates, Fla. | Apr 1, 1864 | He volunteered to surprise and capture an enemy picket. | |
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Charles M. Thatcher | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He kept fighting the enemy even after his position was captured, until he was taken prisoner. |
Sidney W. Thaxter | Army | Major | ![]() |
Battle of Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia | Oct 27, 1864 | He bravely stayed and fought in battle even though his service time was over. | |
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Henry Thielberg | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Mount Washington | April 14, 1863 | He volunteered to observe enemy movements from a dangerous spot, staying there even when shells exploded near him. |
Hampton S. Thomas | Army | Major | ![]() |
Amelia Springs, Virginia | Apr 5, 1865 | He showed great bravery in capturing a battery and battle flags, and destroying enemy supplies. He lost a leg in this action. | |
Stephen Thomas | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He fought bravely in a hand-to-hand battle, stopping the enemy's advance. | |
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George W. Thompkins | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stedman, Petersburg, Virginia | Mar 25, 1865 | He captured the flag of the 49th Alabama Infantry from an enemy officer. |
Allen Thompson | Army | Private | ![]() |
White Oak Road, Virginia | Apr 1, 1865 | He bravely scouted ahead through difficult terrain, guiding his troops through obstacles. | |
Charles A. Thompson | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | When his regiment was surrounded, he fought alone for the colors and refused to give them up. | |
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Freeman C. Thompson | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was knocked down twice while trying to enter Fort Gregg, but on his third try, he fought his way in. |
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Henry A. Thompson | Marine Corps | Private | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | USS Minnesota Jan 15, 1865 | He advanced closer to Fort Fisher than anyone else from his ship, even under heavy fire. He stayed with his party until dark, bringing back the wounded and supplies. |
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James H. Thompson | Army | Surgeon | ![]() |
New Bern, North Carolina | Mar 14, 1862 | He bravely scouted the enemy's position and delivered orders under heavy fire. |
James B. Thompson | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He captured the flag of the 15th Georgia Infantry. | |
James G. Thompson | Army | Private | ![]() |
White Oak Road, Virginia | Apr 1, 1865 | He bravely scouted ahead through difficult terrain, guiding his troops through obstacles. | |
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John Thompson | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Hatcher's Run, Virginia | Feb 6, 1865 | As the flag bearer, he bravely went ahead of his regiment and planted his flag on the enemy's defenses. |
Thomas W. Thompson | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 2, 1863 | He was part of a group of four who bravely brought a wounded Confederate officer into Union lines under fire. This officer gave valuable information. | |
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William Thompson | Navy | Signal Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Mohican Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head | November 7, 1861 | He bravely steered his ship under enemy fire. He was wounded but stayed at his post until he collapsed from blood loss. |
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William P. Thompson* | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia | May 6, 1864 | He captured the flag of the 55th Virginia Infantry. |
Clifford Thomson | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 2, 1863 | He volunteered to check on approaching troops, riding so close he could see the enemy's faces. He rode back safely under heavy fire, preventing a disaster. | |
Walter Thorn | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Dutch Gap Canal, Virginia | Jan 1, 1865 | He bravely warned the picket guard of danger after a fuse to a mine was lit. | |
Andrew W. Tibbets | Army | Private | ![]() |
Columbus, Georgia | Apr 16, 1865 | He captured an enemy flag and its bearer. | |
William Tilton | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Richmond Campaign, Virginia | 1864 | He showed great bravery in the field. | |
Eugene M. Tinkham | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia | Jun 3, 1864 | Even though wounded, he left safety to rescue two wounded comrades under heavy enemy fire. | |
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Charles Titus | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He was among the first to stop the enemy's counterattack. |
James W. Toban | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Aiken, South Carolina | Feb 11, 1865 | He bravely returned under enemy fire to rescue a major who had fallen from his horse. | |
Edward P. Tobie | Army | Sergeant Major | ![]() |
Appomattox Campaign, Virginia | Mar 29, 1865 – Apr 9, 1865 | Though severely wounded twice, he refused to go to the hospital. He stayed with his regiment and performed duties for a wounded officer. | |
John M. Tobin | Army | First Lieutenant and Adjutant | ![]() |
Battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia | Jul 1, 1862 | He bravely took command of his regiment, rallying them under fire. He picked up the regimental flag twice when the color bearer was shot. | |
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Samuel Todd | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Brooklyn Fort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He performed his duties with great skill and courage during a fierce battle, even as his ship was heavily damaged. |
John J. Toffey | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Chattanooga, Tennessee | November 23, 1863 | Even though sick, he led a storming party and was wounded, becoming permanently disabled. | |
Andrew J. Tomlin | Marine Corps | Corporal | ![]() |
USS Wabash Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He bravely rescued a wounded comrade under heavy enemy fire. | |
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Aaron B. Tompkins | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Sailors Creek, Virginia | Apr 5, 1865 | He charged into enemy ranks, captured a battle flag, and had his horse shot and himself cut by a saber. |
Charles H. Tompkins | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Fairfax, Virginia | Jun 1, 1861 | He charged through enemy lines twice and shot an enemy captain. | |
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Thomas Toohey | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Second Battle of Franklin, Tennessee | Nov 30, 1864 | He bravely helped work guns after most men had left them, under intense enemy fire. |
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William Toomer | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." |
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Ernst Torgler | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Ezra Chapel, Georgia | Jul 28, 1864 | He risked his life to save his wounded commanding officer from being captured. |
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Andrew J. Tozier | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 2, 1863 | He stood alone in an advanced position, defending his colors with a musket and ammunition. |
Amasa Tracy | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He took command and led his brigade in an assault on enemy defenses. | |
Benjamin F. Tracy | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia | May 6, 1864 | He seized the colors and led his regiment when others had retreated, then reformed his line and held it. | |
Charles H. Tracy | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia and Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | May 12, 1864 and Apr 2, 1865 | He risked his life to carry a wounded officer to safety. | |
William G. Tracy | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia | May 2, 1863 | He was sent to gather important information and returned safely, despite being surprised by a large enemy force. | |
Andrew Traynor | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Mason's Hill, Virginia | Mar 16, 1864 | Captured by guerrillas, he and other prisoners seized their guards' weapons, killed two guerrillas, and escaped. | |
Howell B. Treat | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Buzzard's Roost, Georgia | May 11, 1864 | He risked his life to save a wounded comrade. | |
Henry E. Tremain | Army | Major and Aide de Camp | ![]() |
Battle of Resaca, Georgia | May 15, 1864 | He bravely rode between two Union brigades that were firing at each other and stopped the firing. | |
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John Tribe | Army | Private | ![]() |
Waterloo Bridge, Virginia | Aug 25, 1862 | He bravely helped burn and destroy a bridge under heavy enemy fire. |
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Othniel Tripp | Navy | Chief Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
USS Seneca Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He boldly charged through a gap in the enemy's defenses despite heavy fire. |
Howell G. Trogden | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." He carried his regiment's flag and tried to borrow a gun to defend it. | |
Edwin M. Truell | Army | Private | ![]() |
Near Atlanta, Georgia | Jul 21, 1864 | Though severely wounded, he stayed with his regiment until he was wounded again and lost his leg. | |
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Alexander H. Truett | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS Richmond Fort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He performed his duties with skill and courage during a fierce two-hour battle, even as his ship was damaged. |
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Allen Tucker | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was one of the three most noticeable soldiers in the final assault. |
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Jacob R. Tucker | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 1, 1865 | He showed great bravery in action. |
John Tweedale | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Stones River, Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Dec 31, 1862 – Jan 1, 1863 | He took the colors after three color guards fell, and continued to carry them even after being knocked down. | |
Voltaire P. Twombly | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Fort Donelson, Tennessee | Feb 15, 1862 | He took the colors after three color guards fell, and continued to carry them even after being knocked down. | |
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George W. Tyrrell | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Resaca, Georgia | May 14, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag. |
U
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
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit/command | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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George Uhrl | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
White Oak Swamp Bridge, Virginia | Jun 30, 1862 | He was one of three who bravely saved a field gun from capture under heavy enemy fire. | |
Micheal E. Urell | Army | Private | ![]() |
Bristoe Station, Virginia | Oct 14, 1863 | He showed great bravery as a flag bearer and was severely wounded. |
V
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
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit/command | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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John Vale | Army | Private | ![]() |
Nolensville, Tennessee | Feb 15, 1863 | He was one of 16 men who bravely defended a wagon train against 125 cavalry, saving it. |
Wilson Vance | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Stones River, Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Dec 31, 1862 | He bravely rescued a wounded comrade under heavy fire while his command was retreating. | |
John M. Vanderslice | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Hatcher's Run, Virginia | Feb 6, 1865 | He was the first to reach the enemy's rifle pits during the charge. | |
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Joseph Van Matre | Army | Private | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | In the assault on Fort Gregg, he climbed onto the wall and fired into the fort. |
Joseph E. Vantine | Navy | First Class Fireman | ![]() |
on board USS Richmond | March 14, 1863 | He bravely entered a steam-filled room to put out fires after his ship was hit, preventing a critical situation. | |
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Pinkerton R. Vaughn | Marine Corps | Sergeant | ![]() |
on board USS Mississippi | Mar 14, 1863 | He helped his commanding officer during the abandonment of his ship, staying until everyone was safe and the ship was burned. |
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Charles Veal | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | He seized the national colors after two flag bearers were shot down and carried them through the rest of the battle. |
Moses Veale | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Wauhatchie, Tennessee | Oct 28, 1863 | He showed great courage and judgment in action. His horse was shot, and he was hit by four bullets. | |
Wheelock G. Veazey | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He quickly gathered his regiment and charged the enemy, destroying a Confederate brigade with new troops. | |
James D. Vernay | Army | Second Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | Apr 22, 1863 | He bravely volunteered with a steamer crew that passed Confederate batteries under heavy fire. | |
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James W. Verney | Navy | Chief Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Pontoosuc First and Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 24, 1864 – Feb 22, 1865 | He performed his duties faithfully and with cool courage during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington. |
Victor Vifquain | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakely, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He captured the enemy flag. | |
Ernest von Vegesack | Army | Major and Aide de Camp | ![]() |
Battle of Gaines' Mill, Virginia | Jun 27, 1862 | He bravely charged enemy troops under fire while serving as an aide. |
W
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
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit/command | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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John H. Wageman | Army | Private | ![]() |
Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | He stayed with his unit after being severely wounded, firing all his cartridges before being carried off. |
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Maurice Wagg | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS Rhode Island | December 31, 1862 | He showed great conduct while rescuing officers and crew from the sinking USS Monitor. |
John W. Wagner | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
John Wainwright | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
James C. Walker | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee | Nov 25, 1863 | After two flag bearers fell, he seized the flag, helped capture a battery, and then captured an enemy flag and its bearer. | |
Mary E. Walker | Army | Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian) | ![]() |
Various | July 1861 – September 1864 | She provided valuable service as a surgeon to sick and wounded soldiers. She also endured hardships as a prisoner of war. | |
Jerry Wall | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. | Jul 3, 1863 | He showed great bravery by capturing a flag. | |
Francis A. Wallar | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 1, 1863 | He showed great bravery by capturing the flag of the 2nd Mississippi Infantry. | |
William H. Walling | Army | Captain | ![]() |
First Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 25, 1864 | He bravely captured the flag of Fort Fisher during a bombardment. | |
John Walsh | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He bravely recaptured the flag of the 15th New Jersey Infantry. | |
George W. Walton | Army | Private | ![]() |
Fort Hell, Petersburg, Virginia | Aug 29, 1864 | He went outside the trenches under heavy fire to rescue a wounded comrade. | |
Martin Wambsgan | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He bravely rushed forward to save the regimental colors after the flag bearer fell. | |
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James Ward | Navy | Quarter Gunner | ![]() |
USS LackawannaFort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He refused to go below after being wounded, helping at a gun and staying in a dangerous position. |
Nelson W. Ward | Army | Private | ![]() |
Staunton River Bridge, Virginia | Jun 25, 1864 | He volunteered for a charge and went alone under heavy fire to retrieve his captain's body. | |
Thomas J. Ward | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
William H. Ward | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 3, 1863 | He volunteered to lead an expedition to run the enemy's batteries under cover of darkness. | |
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John Warden | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. |
Henry C. Warfel | Army | Private | ![]() |
Paines Crossroads, Virginia | Apr 5, 1865 | He captured the Virginia State colors. | |
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David Warren | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS Monticello | Jun 23, 1864 – Jun 25, 1864 | He bravely performed his duties during a two-day reconnaissance of enemy defenses, gathering vital information. |
Francis E. Warren | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Port Hudson, Louisiana | May 27, 1863 | He volunteered for an attack on enemy works under heavy fire. He later became a governor and U.S. Senator. | |
Alexander S. Webb | Army | Brigadier General | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He showed outstanding personal bravery by leading his men forward at a critical moment. | |
James Webb | Army | Private | ![]() |
Second Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Aug 30, 1862 | He bravely carried information to a battery commander under heavy fire, saving their guns. He was wounded but kept fighting. | |
Alason P. Webber | Army | Musician | ![]() |
Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia | Jun 27, 1864 | He volunteered for a charge, and his rapid firing helped wounded soldiers return to safety. He also held off the enemy. | |
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Henry S. Webster | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
USS Susquehanna Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He voluntarily stayed with a wounded officer under fire until help arrived. |
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Charles H. Weeks | Navy | Captain of the Foretop | ![]() |
USS Montauk | September 21, 1864 | He showed great presence of mind and helped put out a fire in the magazine lightroom, saving the ship. |
John H. Weeks | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He captured an enemy flag and its bearer using an empty rifle, even though outnumbered. | |
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Henry C. Weir | Army | Captain and Assistant Adjutant General | ![]() |
St. Mary's Church, Virginia | Jun 24, 1864 | He gave his horse to a wounded officer, then rallied stragglers on foot to help repel an enemy charge. |
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George W. Welch | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee | Dec 16, 1864 | He bravely captured the flag of the 13th Alabama Infantry. |
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Richard Welch | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing a flag. |
Stephen Welch | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Rocky Face Ridge, Dug Gap, Georgia | May 8, 1864 | He risked his life to rescue a wounded comrade under enemy fire. | |
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Henry S. Wells* | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | With two comrades, he drove enemy gunners from their guns by taking an advanced position. |
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Thomas M. Wells | Army | Chief Bugler | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He bravely captured the colors of the 44th Georgia Infantry. |
William Wells | Army | Major | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He led his battalion in a daring charge. | |
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William Wells | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Richmond Fort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He performed his duties with skill and courage during a fierce two-hour battle, even as his ship was damaged. |
Edward Welsh | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
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James Welsh | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He bravely carried off the regimental colors after the color sergeant was wounded and the color corporal was killed. |
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William Westerhold | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He showed great bravery by capturing the flag of the 23rd Virginia Infantry. |
John F. Weston | Army | Major | ![]() |
Near Wetumpka, Alabama | Apr 13, 1865 | He bravely swam a river, captured boats, defeated the enemy, and then tricked enemy steamers into surrendering. | |
Loyd Wheaton | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakely, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He led his regiment's right wing and was the first to enter the enemy's works under heavy fire. | |
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Daniel D. Wheeler | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Salem Heights, Virginia | May 3, 1863 | He showed distinguished bravery in action, where he was wounded and had a horse shot from under him. |
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Henry W. Wheeler | Army | Private | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | July 21, 1861 | He volunteered to help remove dead and wounded soldiers from the field under heavy fire. |
William M. Wherry | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri | Aug 10, 1861 | He showed remarkable coolness and heroism in rallying troops under heavy fire. | |
Edward W. Whitaker | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Reams Station, Virginia | Jun 29, 1864 | He bravely carried dispatches through an enemy division, losing half his escort. | |
Adam White | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Hatcher's Run, Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing a flag. | |
J. Henry White | Army | Private | ![]() |
Rappanhannock Station, Virginia | Aug 23, 1862 | He risked his life to crawl to a spring under constant enemy fire to get water for his suffering comrades. | |
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Joseph White | Navy | Captain of the Gun | ![]() |
USS New Ironsides First and Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 1864 and Jan 1865 | He showed great heroism during several attacks on Fort Fisher, helping to disable enemy guns. |
Patrick H. White | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He bravely carried a cannon by hand and fired it through an enemy opening. | |
John M. Whitehead | Army | Chaplain | ![]() |
Battle of Stones River, Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Dec 31, 1862 | He went to the front during a desperate fight and single-handedly carried several wounded soldiers to safety. | |
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Daniel Whitfield | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Lackawanna Fort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He bravely stood by his gun, waiting to fire at the enemy ram Tennessee, and continued his duties during the long battle. |
Frank M. Whitman | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland and Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | Sep 17, 1862 and May 18, 1864 | He saved several comrades' lives at Antietam. At Spotsylvania, he was at the front of an assault and lost a leg. | |
John Whitmore | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Blakely, Alabama | Apr 9, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing a flag. | |
William G. Whitney | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia | Sep 20, 1863 | He bravely went among dead and wounded enemy soldiers to get ammunition, which was then used to repel an attack. | |
Edward N. Whittier | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Fisher's Hill, Virginia | Sep 22, 1864 | He bravely went over enemy works on horseback with the assaulting column to capture guns and turn them on the enemy. | |
Andrew J. Widick | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
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Franklin L. Wilcox | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | ![]() |
USS MinnesotaSecond Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He advanced to the top of a sand hill and through a breach in defenses despite heavy enemy fire. He stayed with his party until dark. |
William H. Wilcox | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He bravely took command of his company after officers were wounded. He later fought with another company. | |
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James Wiley | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Jul 3, 1863 | He showed great bravery by capturing a Georgia regiment's flag. He was later captured and died in prison. |
George Wilhelm | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Champion Hill, or Bakers Creek, Mississippi | May 16, 1863 | After being wounded and captured, he bravely made his captor a prisoner and brought him into camp. | |
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Henry Wilkes | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
U.S. Picket Boat No. 1 | October 27, 1864 | He showed great heroism by helping to destroy the Confederate Ram Albemarle with a spar torpedo. |
Perry Wilkes | Navy | Pilot | ![]() |
USS Signal | May 5, 1864 | He bravely stayed at his ship's wheel until it was destroyed by an enemy shell, even as the ship was disabled. | |
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Leander A. Wilkins | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He bravely recaptured the colors of the 21st Massachusetts Infantry in a hand-to-hand fight. |
Orlando B. Willcox | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Jul 21, 1861 | He led repeated charges until he was wounded and captured. | |
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Anthony Williams | Navy | Sailmaker's mate | ![]() |
USS Pontoosuc First and Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 24, 1864 – Feb 22, 1865 | He performed his duties faithfully and with cool courage during the capture of Forts Fisher and Wilmington. |
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Augustus Williams | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Santiago de Cuba Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Jan 15, 1865 | He remained steadfast when others retreated, staying with his officer and withdrawing safely after dark. |
Elwood N. Williams | Army | Private | ![]() |
Shiloh, Tennessee | Apr 6, 1862 | He bravely went forward under fire to retrieve an abandoned ammunition box, even though his companion was mortally wounded. | |
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George C. Williams | Army | Quartermaster Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Gaines' Mill, Virginia | Jun 27, 1862 | He voluntarily left his safe position and fought bravely with a company. |
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John Williams | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
USS Mohican | November 7, 1861 | He served bravely as Captain of an 11-inch gun, maintaining steady fire during a four-hour engagement. |
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John Williams | Navy | Captain of the Maintop | ![]() |
USS Pawnee | November 7, 1861 | He bravely told his men they must die rather than leave a man behind. Though wounded, he kept charge of his boat. |
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John Williams | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Commodore Perry | October 3, 1862 | He remained at his post under enemy fire, performing his duties with skill and courage. |
Le Roy Williams | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia | Jun 3, 1864 | He bravely exposed himself to enemy fire to locate and recover his colonel's body, approaching enemy pickets in the dark. | |
Peter Williams | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Monitor | March 9, 1862 | He bravely served as Quartermaster, piloting the USS Monitor throughout its battle with the CSS Merrimack. | |
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Robert Williams | Navy | Signal Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Benton | Dec 23, 1862 – Dec 27, 1862 | He served courageously during a battle against hostile forces, even when his vessel was under heavy fire. |
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William Williams | Navy | Landsman | ![]() |
USS Lehigh | November 16, 1863 | He bravely passed a line to another ship under heavy enemy fire, helping to free the grounded USS Lehigh. |
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William Haliday Williams | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Peachtree Creek, Georgia | Jul 20, 1864 | He voluntarily went beyond the lines to observe the enemy and helped a wounded comrade. |
James A. Williamson | Army | Colonel | ![]() |
Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi | Dec 29, 1862 | He led his regiment against a stronger, entrenched enemy force and held his ground when all support was gone. | |
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Richard Willis | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS New Ironsides First and Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | Dec 1864 and Jan 1865 | He showed great heroism during several attacks on Fort Fisher, helping to disable enemy guns. |
Edward B. Williston | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia | Jun 12, 1864 | He showed distinguished bravery in action. | |
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Charles E. Wilson | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He bravely charged enemy works with colors in hand and had two horses shot from under him. |
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Christopher W. Wilson | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | He took the flag from a wounded bearer and carried it in a charge, also capturing an enemy flag. |
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Francis A. Wilson | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Apr 2, 1865 | He was among the first to break through enemy lines and captured a gun. |
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John Wilson | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Chamberlains Creek, Virginia | Mar 31, 1865 | With a comrade, he stopped the enemy's advance, shooting two flag bearers, and saved his unit's horses from capture. |
John A. Wilson | Army | Private | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was one of 19 men who went deep into enemy territory to capture a train and destroy bridges. | |
John M. Wilson | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia | Aug 6, 1862 | He remained on duty despite being very ill and participated in the action. He chose to stay until the campaign ended. | |
William W. Winegar | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Five Forks, Virginia | Apr 1, 1865 | Alone and surrounded, he bravely demanded the enemy's surrender, causing them to give up their flag. | |
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Edward Van Winkle | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | Sep 29, 1864 | He took an advanced position and drove enemy cannoneers from their guns. |
Lewis S. Wisner | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia | May 12, 1864 | As an engineer officer, he bravely exposed himself to enemy fire. | |
William H. Withington | Army | Captain | ![]() |
First Battle of Bull Run, Virginia | Jul 21, 1861 | He remained on the field under heavy fire to help his superior officer. | |
John Wollam | Army | Private | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was one of 19 men who went deep into enemy territory to capture a train and destroy bridges. | |
Henry Clay Wood | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri | Aug 10, 1861 | He showed distinguished bravery in action. | |
Mark Wood | Army | Private | ![]() |
Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia | Apr 1862 | He was one of 19 men who went deep into enemy territory to capture a train and destroy bridges. | |
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Richard H. Wood | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He led the volunteer storming party in a very brave assault on enemy works. |
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Robert B. Wood | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
USS Mount Washington | April 14, 1863 | He boarded a damaged vessel and continued fighting at his gun for six hours under heavy fire. |
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William H. Woodall | Army | Civilian scout | ![]() |
Appomattox campaign | Mar 29, 1865 – Apr 9, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing the flag of Brigadier General Rufus Barringer's headquarters brigade. |
Eri D. Woodbury | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia | Oct 19, 1864 | He bravely captured four Confederate infantrymen, their rifles, and their regimental flag with his saber. | |
Alonzo Woodruff | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia | Oct 27, 1864 | He bravely rescued a wounded comrade in a hand-to-hand fight. | |
Carle A. Woodruff | Army | First Lieutenant | ![]() |
Newbys Crossroads, Virginia | Jul 24, 1863 | He ignored orders to abandon his guns and helped repel an attack, saving them. | |
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Daniel A. Woods | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia | Apr 6, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing the flag of the 18th Florida Infantry. |
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Samuel Woods | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS Mount Washington | April 14, 1863 | He bravely jumped into the water to save a comrade, then returned to his gun and cared for the wounded. |
Evan M. Woodward | Army | First Lieutenant and Adjutant | ![]() |
Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia | Dec 13, 1862 | He bravely advanced between the lines, demanded the surrender of the 19th Georgia Infantry, and captured their battle flag. | |
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John Woon | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
USS Pittsburgh | April 29, 1863 | He showed courage and devotion to duty during bitter engagements, even when his ship was severely damaged. |
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Charles B. Woram | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
USS OneidaFort Morgan, Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Aug 5, 1864 | He bravely carried orders and showed cool courage during the battle, which led to the capture of an enemy ram. |
Joseph Wortick | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi | May 22, 1863 | He showed great bravery in the volunteer storming party's charge. | |
William J. Wray | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Battle of Fort Stevens, District of Columbia | Jul 12, 1864 | He rallied his company at a critical moment under fire. | |
Albert D. Wright | Army | Captain | ![]() |
Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | Jul 30, 1864 | He bravely advanced beyond enemy lines, capturing a flag and its guard, and was severely wounded. | |
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Edward Wright | Navy | Quartermaster | ![]() |
USS Cayuga | Apr 24, 1862 – Apr 25, 1862 | He served bravely during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking of New Orleans. |
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Robert Wright | Army | Private | ![]() |
Chapel House, Farm, Virginia | Oct 1, 1864 | He showed great bravery in action. |
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Samuel Wright | Army | Corporal | ![]() |
Nolensville, Tennessee | Feb 15, 1863 | He was one of 16 men who bravely defended a wagon train against 125 cavalry, saving it. |
Samuel C. Wright | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Antietam, Maryland | Sep 17, 1862 | He bravely advanced under fire to remove a fence that would have stopped a planned charge. | |
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William Wright (Medal of Honor recipient) | Navy | Yeoman | ![]() |
USS Monticello | Jun 23, 1864 – Jun 25, 1864 | He bravely carried out his duties during a two-day reconnaissance, gathering vital information. |
Y
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
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit/command | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
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Jacob F. Yeager | Army | Private | ![]() |
Buzzard's Roost, Georgia | May 11, 1864 | He bravely seized a shell with a burning fuse and threw it into a stream, likely saving his comrades. | |
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Andrew J. Young | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Paines Crossroads, Virginia | Apr 5, 1865 | He showed great bravery by capturing a flag. |
Benjamin F. Young | Army | ![]() |
Second Battle of Petersburg, Virginia | Jun 17, 1864 | He showed great bravery by capturing the flag of the 35th North Carolina Infantry. | ||
Calvary M. Young | Army | Sergeant | ![]() |
Osage, Kansas | Oct 25, 1864 | He showed great bravery by capturing General Cabell. | |
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Edward B. Young | Navy | Coxswain | ![]() |
Aboard USS Galena, Battle of Mobile Bay | Aug 5, 1864 | He performed his duties with skill and courage, helping a damaged ship to safety. |
Horatio N. Young | Navy | Seaman | ![]() |
Aboard USS Lehigh, Charleston Harbor | Nov 16, 1863 | He bravely passed a line to another ship under heavy enemy fire, helping to free the grounded USS Lehigh. | |
James M. Young | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Wilderness, Virginia | May 6, 1864 | He bravely went to scout enemy positions, and when a companion was wounded, he carried him to safety under fire. | |
William Young | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | ![]() |
Aboard USS Cayuga, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip | April 24, 1862 – April 25, 1862 | He calmly manned a gun throughout a battle where his ship was hit 46 times, helping to defeat enemy ships and garrisons. | |
John L. Younker | Army | Private | ![]() |
Battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia | Aug 9, 1862 | He bravely carried an order under heavy fire, risking his life, and was wounded while doing so. |