MOH recipients C-D

Mike Serpa

Major
Joined
Jan 24, 2013
Sources: DOV - "Deeds of Valor," a two-volume set from the early 1900s
LOC - Library of Congress
HA - Heritage Auctions
FAG - Find a Grave
NYSMM - New York State Military Museum
NA - National Archives
Citations will be from Wikipedia or the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

llc.png

Luman L. Cadwell - Past and Present of Winneshiek County, 1913

2d New York Veteran Cavalry at Alabama Bayou, La., 20 September 1864

Citation: Swam the bayou under fire of the enemy and captured and brought off a boat by means of which the command crossed and routed the enemy.

EDIT: I'll post one a day until I run out. Abut three months or so.
 
Swam a bayou under fire to get a boat? That has to be yet another story worth telling on film. I'm a Yank, swamps up here, no bayous. Aren't there critters who call bayous home you wouldn't wish to run into?
 
Capehart brothers

CC.png

Charles E. Capehart - LOC

1st West Virginia Cavalry at Monterey Mountain, Pa., 4 July 1863

Citation: While commanding the regiment, charged down the mountain side at midnight, in a heavy rain, upon the enemy's fleeing wagon train. Many wagons were captured and destroyed and many prisoners taken.


Henry Capehart.jpg

Henry Capehart - Loyal West Virginia from 1861 to 1865, 1895

1st West Virginia Cavalry at Greenbrier River, W. Va., 22 May 1864

Citation: Saved, under fire, the life of a drowning soldier.
 
historyoffiftyfo00emil_0_0008.jpg

William H. Carney - History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1894

54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry at Fort Wagner, S.C., 18 July 1863

Citation: When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.
 
wjc.jpg

William J. Carson - Proceedings of Reunions held at Pittsburgh, Pa., 1898

15th U.S. Infantry at Chickamauga, Ga., 19 September 1863

Citation: At a critical stage in the battle when the 14th Corps lines were wavering and in disorder he on his own initiative bugled "to the colors" amid the 18th U.S. Infantry who formed by him, and held the enemy. Within a few minutes he repeated his action amid the wavering 2d Ohio Infantry. This bugling deceived the enemy who believed reinforcements had arrived. Thus, they delayed their attack.


Book excerpts:
Private Carson, 15th Infantry, was under my command for some time. In the field proved himself to be a faithful, trustworthy soldier. He particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Stone [sic] River, Tenn., where he behaved with great gallantry.

F. D. Ogilby,
First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 15th Infantry.


During about eighteen months' service in the field I had abundant opportunity to observe the gallant conduct of Private Carson, and I take great pleasure in indorsing [sic] the above.

James Y. Semple,
First Lieutenant, 15th Infantry.
 
00008v.jpg

Isaac Catlin - LOC

109th New York Infantry at Petersburg, Va., 30 July 1864

Citation: In a heroic effort to rally the disorganized troops was disabled by a severe wound. While being carried from the field he recovered somewhat and bravely started to return to his command, when he received a second wound, which necessitated amputation of his right leg.
 
You know, there's been discussion on the MoH having been bestowed too freely to ACW recipients. So far I'm not seeing that to be a valid perspective. There probably weren't enough.
Capturing a flag might not seem like much to us now but it was back then. The Medal of Honor was the only medal given by the USA in the Civil War. No Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, etc.

In 1916, 911 MOHs were rescinded.

There is a Remove the Stain Act (H.R. 3467) which seeks to rescind twenty Medals of Honor for actions at Wounded Knee. One can look it up if one chooses.
 
Last edited:
sec.png

Stephen E. chandler - DOV

24th New York Cavalry at Amelia Springs, Va., 5 April 1865

Citation: Under severe fire of the enemy and of the troops in retreat, went between the lines to the assistance of a wounded and helpless comrade, and rescued him from death or capture.
 
It seems a little too easy to sit in chairs miles and years from the action, not being shot at by folks who are trying to kill you and make these decisions.
Here's a link to why the non-combatants medals were rescinded
 
jfc.png

John F. Chase - DOV

Maine Light Artillery at Chancellorsville, Va., 3 May 1863

Citation: Nearly all the officers and men of the battery having been killed or wounded, this soldier with a comrade continued to fire his gun after the guns had ceased. The piece was then dragged off by the two, the horses having been shot, and its capture by the enemy was prevented.
 
child.png

Benjamin H. Child - Men of progress; biographical sketches and portraits of leaders in business and professional life in the state of Rhode Island and Providence plantations, 1896

1st Rhode Island Light Artillery at Antietam, Md., 17 September 1862

Citation: Was wounded and taken to the rear insensible, but when partially recovered insisted on returning to the battery and resumed command of his piece, so remaining until the close of the battle.
 
sjc.jpg

Samuel J. Churchill - DOV

2d Illinois Light Artillery at Nashville, Tenn., 15 December 1864

Citation: When the fire of the enemy's batteries compelled the men of his detachment for a short time to seek shelter, he stood manfully at his post and for some minutes worked his gun alone.
 
Charles A. Clark.jpg

Charles A. Clark - DOV

6th Maine Infantry at Brooks Ford, Va., 4 May 1863.

Citation: Having voluntarily taken command of his regiment in the absence of its commander, at great personal risk and with remarkable presence of mind and fertility of resource led the command down an exceedingly precipitous embankment to the Rappahannock River and by his gallantry, coolness, and good judgment in the face of the enemy saved the command from capture or destruction.
 
Harrison Clark.jpg

Harrison Clark - DOV

125th New York Infantry at Gettysburg, Pa., 2 July 1863

Citation: Seized the colors and advanced with them after the color bearer had been shot.
 
Back
Top