Luman L. Cadwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luman L. Cadwell
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|---|---|
| Born | May 22, 1836 |
| Died | July 8, 1925 (aged 89) |
| Buried |
Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit |  2nd Regiment New York Veteran Volunteer Cavalry - Company B |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Luman L. Cadwell (born May 22, 1836, died July 8, 1925) was a brave American soldier. He fought during the American Civil War, a very important time in American history. Cadwell received the highest award for bravery a soldier can get: the Medal of Honor. He earned this special award for his amazing actions at the Alabama Bayou in Louisiana on September 20, 1864. He was given this honor on August 17, 1894.
Luman Cadwell's Life and Service
Luman Cadwell was born in 1836. When the American Civil War began, he decided to join the Union Army. He became a soldier in the 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry.
A Daring Mission at Alabama Bayou
On September 20, 1864, Cadwell took part in a very brave mission. He and another soldier, Albert Westinghouse, were near New Orleans, Louisiana. They needed to cross the Alabama Bayou, which was a body of water about 150 feet wide. Their goal was to get a small boat. This boat was important because it would help their company reach a Confederate camp. The camp was located on an island in the middle of the Bayou.
Once they reached the island, Cadwell's company planned to:
- Destroy buildings and supplies
- Disable artillery (cannons)
- Capture Confederate soldiers
Cadwell and Westinghouse swam across the Bayou to get the boat. This daring act helped their company succeed in their mission.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award given by the United States government. It is given to members of the U.S. armed forces who show extreme bravery. This bravery must be shown during combat, often risking their own lives. Luman L. Cadwell received this incredible honor for his actions at the Alabama Bayou. His courage and quick thinking helped his unit complete a dangerous task.
