William H. Reddick facts for kids
William Henry Harrison Reddick (1840-1903) was a brave soldier from the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He earned this special medal for his actions during a daring mission called the Andrews Raid. William Reddick was born on September 18, 1840, in Locust Grove, Ohio. He passed away on November 8, 1903, in Muscatine, Iowa, and is buried in Letts, Iowa. After his time in the army, he worked as a farmer.
Reddick's Army Adventures
William H. Reddick joined the army on August 18, 1861. He became a soldier in the 33rd Ohio Infantry. In the spring of 1862, he volunteered for a very secret and dangerous mission.
The Great Locomotive Chase
William joined a special group led by a man named James J. Andrews. Their big plan was to steal a train in Georgia. They wanted to damage the railway lines to stop enemy supplies. This mission is famously known as the Great Locomotive Chase.
Sadly, the mission did not go as planned. William Reddick and thirteen other raiders were captured. He was held in a prison in Atlanta. In October 1862, he tried to escape, but he was caught again. He was then sent to Castle Thunder Prison in Richmond, Virginia.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
In March 1863, William Reddick was part of a prisoner exchange. This meant he was traded for other captured soldiers. He then traveled to Washington, D.C.. There, he and five other raiders received the Medal of Honor. They were among the very first people ever to receive this important award for their courage.
