Sidney Haight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sidney Haight
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| Born | August 21, 1847 Reading, Michigan |
| Died | September 17, 1918 (aged 71) Reading, Michigan |
| Buried |
Reading, Michigan
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army (Union Army) |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit |  Company E, 1st Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War: |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Sidney Haight (August 21, 1847 – September 17, 1918) was an American soldier who fought bravely in the American Civil War. He was very young when he joined the army, even lying about his age to serve. Sidney is famous for receiving the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this special award for his incredible courage during a tough battle called the Siege of Petersburg.
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Sidney Haight's Military Service
Joining the Army
Sidney Haight was born in 1847. When he was just 16 years old, he wanted to join the army. He told them he was 17 so he could enlist! This was in October 1863. He became part of Company E, which was a special group called the 1st Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters Regiment. He signed up to serve for three years.
A few months later, in February 1864, Sidney's older brother, James B. Haight, also joined the same army unit. The two brothers served together. However, during the Battle of Spotsylvania, James was hurt in his left arm.
Heroic Actions and the Medal of Honor
Sidney Haight was awarded the Medal of Honor for his amazing bravery during a battle known as the Battle of the Crater. This was a very difficult and confusing fight. When the enemy soldiers attacked, many Union soldiers had to retreat. But Sidney, who was a Corporal in Company E, did not run away.
Instead of retreating, Sidney stayed in the captured area. He didn't worry about his own safety, even though he was in the middle of heavy gunfire. He bravely and carefully fired back at the enemy until they were very close to him. Other soldiers noticed his courage. Sidney and a Native American comrade named Antoine Scott, from Company K, kept firing steadily and accurately at the enemy. They did this to help their fellow soldiers escape safely. Only when everyone else who could escape had done so, did Sidney and Antoine finally retreat.
Sidney's bravery was also noticed in another battle, the Battle of Fort Stedman. Here, his unit, the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, helped pin down enemy soldiers. This stopped the enemy from escaping a counterattack, and they were taken prisoner. Sidney's actions were so outstanding that he was recommended for another Medal of Honor!
After the War
Sidney Haight finished his service with his regiment on July 28, 1865. He was still only 17 years old when he left the army. He later got married and had two sons, Elsworth and Benjamin. He officially received his Medal of Honor for his brave actions at the Crater battle in the 1890s.
Sidney Haight passed away on September 17, 1918, at the age of 71. His brother James, who had served with him, died the following year in 1919. Sidney was survived by his son Benjamin.
