James R. O’Beirne :Capt. Co C 31st NY Infantry
B:Ireland ES: NY RM: 1/20/1891
Gallantly maintained the line of battle until ordered to fall back at Fair oaks Va. 5/31/&6/1/1862
Paul A. Oliver :Cpl. Co D 12th NY Infantry
B: 7/18/1831 ES: NY RM: 10/12/1892
While acting as aide assistant in preventing a disaster caused by Union troops firing into each other at Resaca Ga. 5/15/1864
Charles A. Orr :Pvt. Co G. 187th NY Infantry
B: Holland NY ES: Bennington NY RM: 4/1/1898
This soldier and 2 others, voluntarily and under fire, rescued several wounded and helpless soldiers at Hatchers Run Va. 10/27/1864
Loron F. Packard :Pvt. Co E. 5th NY Cavalry
B: Cattaraugus County NY ES: Cuba NY RM: 8/20/1894
After his command had retreated, this soldier, voluntarily and alone, returned to the assistance of a comrade and rescued him from the hands of 3 armed confederates at Raccoon Ford Va. 1/27/1863
Henry Jeremiah Parks :Pvt. Co A 9th NY Cavalry
B: 2/24/1848 Orangeville NY ES: Orangeville NY RM: 10/26/1864
While alone and in advance of his unit and attempting to cut off the retreat of a supply wagon, he fought and sent to flight a confederate color bearer. After capturing the color bearer and leaving him in the rear, he returned to the front and captured 3 more wagons and drivers at Cedar creek Va. 10/19/1864
John H. Patterson : 1st Lt. 11th OS Infantry
B: NY ES: NY RM: 7/23/1897
Under heavy fire o the advancing enemy, picked up and carried several hundred yards to a place of safety, a wounded officer of his regiment who was helpless and would otherwise have been burned in the forest at Wilderness Va. 5/5/1864
William Plimley : 1st Lt. Co F 120th NY Infantry
B: Catskill NY ES: Catskill NY RM: 4/4/1898
While acting as an aide to a General officer, voluntarily accompanied a regiment in an assault on the enemy’s works and acted as leader of the movement which resulted in the rout of the enemy and the capture of a large number of prisoners at Hatcher Run Va. 4/21/1865
Wiliam Porter : Sgt. Co H 1st NJ Cavalry
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: 7/3/1865
Among the first to check the enemy’s counter charge at Sailors Creek Va. 4/6/1865
Norman F. Potter :1st Sgt. Co E. 149th NY Infantry
B: Pompey NY ES: Pompey NY RM: 6/24/1865
Capture of flag (Bragg’s army) at Lookout mountain Tenn. 11/24/1863
Noble D. Preston ; 1st Lt. and commissary 10th NY Cavalry
B; unknown ES: Fulton NY RM: 11/22/1889
Voluntarily led a charge in which he was severely wounded at Trevelyan Station Va. 6/11/1864
Edgar P. Putman :Sgt. Co D 9th NY Cavalry
B; Stockton NY ES: Stockton NY RM: 5/13/1892
With a small force on a reconnaissance , drove off a strong body of the enemy, charged into another force of the enemy’s Cavalry and stampeded them, taking 27 prisoners at Crump’s Creek Va. 5/27/1864
James Quinlan : Maj. 88th NY Infantry
B: 9/13/1833 Ireland ES: NY NY RM: 2/18/1891
Led his regiment on the enemy’s battery, silenced the guns, held the position against overwhelming numbers and covered the retreat of the 2nd Army Corps at Savage Station Va. 6/29/1862
Peter Rafferty :Pvt. Co B 69th NY Infantry
B: Ireland ES: NY NY RM: 8/2/1897
Having been wounded and directed tot eh rear, declined to go but continued in action, recieveing several more wounds, which resulted in his capture by the enemy and his total disability for military service at Malvern Hill Va. 7/1/1862
Charles F. Rand : Pvt. Co K 12th NY Infantry
B: Batavia NY ES: Batavia NY RM: 10/23/1897
Remained in action when a part of his regiment broke in disorder, joined another company, and fought with it through the remainder of the engagement at Blackburn’s Ford Va. 7/18/1861
Myron H. Ranney : Pvt. Co G 13th NY Infantry
B:Franklinville NY ES: Unknown RM: 3/23/1895
Picked up the colors and carried them off the field after the color bearer had been shot down; was himself wounded at Bull Run Va. 8/30/1862
William H. Raymond : Cpl Co A 108th NY Infantry
B: Penfield NY ES: Penfield NY RM: 3/10/1896
Voluntarily and under a severe fire brought a box of ammunition to his comrades on the skirmish line at Gettysburg Pa. 7/3/1863
Morton A. Read : Lt. Co D 8th NY Cavalry
B: Brockport NY ES: Brockport NY RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag of 1st Texas Infantry at Appomattox Station Va. 4/8/1865
George Reynolds :Pvt. Co M 9th NY Cavalry
B: Ireland ES: NY, NY RM: 9/27/1864
Capture of flag at Winchester Va. 9/19/1864
Julius D. Rhodes : Pvt. Co F 5th NY Cavalry
B: Monroe County Michigan ES: Springville NY RM: 3/9/1887
After having had his horse shot under hime in the fight at Thoroughfare Gap Va., he voluntarily joined the 105th NY volunteers and was conspicuous in the advance on the enemy’s lines, displayed gallantry in the advance on the skirmish line at Bull Run Va. 8/28/1862
Rudolph Riddell :Lt. Co I 61st NY Infantry
B: Hamilton NY ES: Hamilton NY RM: 5/10/1865
Captured the flag of the 6th Alabama Cavalry at Sailors Creek Va. 4/6/1865
Robert S. Robertson : 1st Lt. Co K 93rd NY Infantry
B: Argyle NY ES: Argyle NY RM: 8/2/1897
While acting as aide-de-camp to a General Officer, seeing a regiment break to the rear, he seized its colors, rode with them to the front in the face of the advancing enemy, and rallied the retreating regiment at Corbins Bridge Va. 5/8/1864
John C. Robinson :Brig. Gen. US Volunteers
B: Binghamton NY ES: Binghamton NY RM: 3/28/1894
Placed himself at the head of the leading brigade in a charge upon the enemy’s breastworks and was severely wounded at Laurel Hill Va. 5/8/1864
Charles M. Rockefeller: Lt. Co A 178th NY Infantry
B: NY ES: NY RM: 8/2/1897
Voluntarily and alone, under a heavy fire, obtained valuable information which a reconnoitering party of 25 men had previously attempted and failed to obtain; suffering severe loss in the attempt. The information obtained by him was made the basis of the orders for the assault that followed. He also advanced with a few followers, under the fire of both sides, and captured 300 of the enemy who would other wise have escaped at Fort Blakely Alabama 4/9/1865
Charles L. Russell :Cpl Co H 93rd Infantry
B: Malone NY ES: Malone NY RM: 12/1/1864
Captured flag of 42nd Va. Infantry at Spotsylvania Va. 5/12/1864
John T. Rutherford : 1st Lt. Co L 9th NY Cavalry
B: Unknown ES: Canton NY RM: 3/22/1892
Made a successful charge at Yellow Tavern Va. 5/11/1864 by which 90 prisoners were captured. On May 27th 1864 in a gallant dash on a superior force of the enemy and in a personal encounter captured his opponent at Yellow Tavern Va. 5/11/1865
John C. Sagelhurst : Sgt. Co B 1st NJ Cavalry
B: Buffalo NY ES: Buffalo NY RM: 1/3/1906
Under heavy fire from the enemy carried off the field a commissioned officer who was severely wounded and also led a charge on the enemy’s rifle pits at Hatchers Run Va. 2/6/1865
Henry Sartwell :Sgt. Co D 123rd NY Infantry
B: Ticonderoga NY ES: St Ann NY RM: 11/17/1896
Was severely wounded by a gunshot in his left arm, went ½ mile to the rear but insisted on returning to his company and continued to fight bravely until he became exhausted from the loss of blood and was compelled to retire from the field at Chancellorsville Va. 5/3/1863
John Schiller :Pvt. CO E 158 NY Infantry
B: Germany ES: NY NY RM: 4/6/1865
Advanced to the ditch of the enemy’s works at Chapins Farm Va. 9/29/1864
George W. Schmal : Black Smith Co M 24th NY Cavalry
B: Germany ES: Buffalo NY RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag at Paines Crossroads Va. 4/15/1865
Theodore Schwan : 1st Lt. 10th OS Infantry
B: 7/9/1841 Germany ES: NY RM: 12/12/1898
At the imminent risk of his own life, while his regiment was falling back before a superior force of the enemy, he dragged a wounded and helpless officer to the rear, thus saving him from death or capture at Peebles Farm Va. 10/1/1864
David H. Scofield: Quartermaster Sgt. Co K 5th NY Us Cavalry
B: Mamaroneck NY ES: Unknown RM: 10/26/1864
Capture of flag of 13th Va. Infantry at Cedar Creek Va. 10/19/1864
Alexander Shader : Col 65th NY Infantry
B: 3/19/1827 Haddam Conn. ES: NY NY RM: 11/25/1893
At a most critical moment, the head of the charging column being about to be crushed by the severe fire of the enemy’s artillery and infantry, he pushed forward with a supporting column, pierced the enemy’s works and turned their flank at Mary’s Heights Va. 5/3/1863
Robert F. Shipley: Sgt. Co A 140th NY Infantry
B: Wayne NY ES: Unknown RM: 5/10/1865
Captured the flag of the 9th va Infantry in hand to hand combat at 5 Forks Va. 4/1/1865
Daniel Sickles : Maj. Gen. US Volunteers
B: NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 10/30/1897
Displayed most conspicuous gallantry on the field vigorously contesting the advance of the enemy and continuing to encourage his troops after being himself severely wounded at Gettysburg Pa. 7/2/1863
John Simmons : Pvt. Co D 2nd NY Heavy Artillery
B: Bethel NY ES: Liberty NY RM: 4/24/1865
Capture of flag at Sailors creek Va. 4/6/1865
Ebenezer Skellie : Cpl. Co D 112th NY Infantry
B: Mina NY ES: Mina NY RM: 4/6/1865
Took the colors of his regiment, the color bearer having fallen, and carried them through the first charge; Also in the second charge, after all the color guards had been killed or wounded he carried the colors up to the enemy’s works, where he fell wounded at Chopin’s farm Va. 9/29/1864
David L. Smith :Sgt. Battery E 1st NY light Artillery
B: unknown ES: Bath NY RM: 8/6/1906
This soldier, when a shell struck an ammunition chest, exploding a number of cartridges and setting fire to the packing tow, procured water and extinguished the fire, thus preventing the explosion of the remaining ammunition at Warwick Court house Va. 4/6/1862
Richard Smith: Pvt. Co B 95th NY Infantry
B: Harverstraw, Rockland County NY ES: Harverstraw, Rockland county NY RM:3/13/1865
Captured 2 officers and 20 men of Hagood’s brigade while they were endeavoring to make their way back through the woods at Weldon Railroad Va. 8/21/1864
Wilson Smith : Cpl. Battery H 3rd NY Lt. Artillary
B: Madison NY ES: Madison NY RM: 4/24/1896
Took command of a gun ( the Lt. in charge having disappeared) and fired the same so rapidly and effectively that the enemy was repulsed, although for a time a hand to hand conflict was had over the gun at Washington NC 9/6/1862
Joseph E. Sova :Saddler Co H 8th NY Cavalry
B: Chili NY ES: Unknown RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag at Appomattox Campaign Va. 3/29-4/9/1865
Julius Stahel : Maj. Gen. US Volunteers
B: 11/5/1825 Hungary ES: NY NY RM: 11/4/1893
Led his division into action until he was severely wounded at Piedmont Va. 6/5/1864
John H. Starkins : Sgt. 34th NY Battery
B: Great Neck NY ES: unknown RM: 7/30/1896
Brought off his piece without losing a man at Campbell Station Tenn. 11/16/1863
Harlan J. Swift : 2nd Lt. Co H 2nd NY Militia regiment
B: New Hudson NY ES: NY RM: 7/20/1897
Having advanced with his regiment and captured the enemy’s line, saw 4 of the enemy retiring towards their second line of works. He advanced upon them alone, compelled their surrender and regained his regiment with the 4 prisoners at Petersburg Va. 7/30/1864
Benjamin Thackrah : Pvt. Co H 115th NY Infantry
B: Scotland ES: Johnsonville NY RM: 5/2/1890
Was a volunteer in the surprise and capture of the enemy’s picket near Fort Getes Fla. 4/1/1864
George W. Thompkins :Cpl. Co F 124th NY Infantry
B: Orange County NY ES: Esport Jervis NY RM: 4/6/1865
Capture o flag of 49th Alabama Infantry from an officer who, with colors in hand, was rallying his men at Petersburg Va. 3/25/1865
Allen Thompson : Pvt. Co I 4th NY Heavy Artillary
B; NY NY ES: Port Jarvis NY RM: 4/22/1896
Made a hazardous reconnaissance through timber and slashing proceeding the union line of battle, signaling the troops and leading them through the obstruction at White Oak Road Va. 4/1/1865
James Thompson : Pvt. Co K 4th NY Heavy artillery
B: Sandy Creek NY ES: Sandy Creek NY RM: 4/22/1896
Made a hazardous reconnaissance through timber and slashing proceeding the union line of battle, signaling the troops and leading them through the obstruction at White Oak Road Va. 4/1/1865
J. ( James) Harry Thompson : Surgeon US Volunteers
B: England ES: NY RM: 11/11/1870
Voluntarily reconnoitered the enemy’s position and carried orders under the hottest fire at New Born NC 3/14/1862
Clifford Thomson : 1st Lt. Co A 1st NY Cavalry
B: Unknown ES: NY NY RM: 11/27/1896
Volunteered to ascertain the character of approaching troops; rode up so closely as to distinguish the features of the enemy, and as he wheeled to return, they opened fire with musketry. The union troop returned same. Under a terrible fire from both sides, Lt. Thompson rode back unhurt to the federal lines, averting a disaster to the army by his heroic act at Chancellorsville Va. 5/2/1863
Walter Thorn : 2nd Lt. Co G 116th US Colored troops
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: 12/8/1898
After the fuse of the mined bulkhead had been lit, this officer, learning that the picket guard had not been withdrawn, mounted the bulkhead and, at great personal peril, warned the guard of its danger at Dutch Gap Canal Va. 1/1/1865
Charles H. Tompkins : 1st Lt. 2nd US Cavalry
B: Fort Monroe ES: Brooklyn NY RM: 11/13/1893
Twice charged through the enemy’s lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy’s captain at Fairfax Va. 6/1/1861
Thomas Toohey : Sgt. 24th Wis. Infantry
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: unknown
Gallantry in action; voluntarily assisting in working the guns of battery near the rear of the regiment after nearly every man had left them, the fire of the enemy being hottest at this than any other point on the line at Franklin Tenn. 11/30/1864
Benjamin F. Tracey : Col. 109th NY Infantry
B: 4/26/1830 Owego NY ES: Owego NY RM: 6/21/1895
Seized the colors and led the regiment when other regiments had retired and then reformed his line and held it at Wilderness Va. 5/6/1864
William G. Tracy : 2nd Lt. Co I 122nd NY Infantry
B: Onondaga NY ES: Onondaga NY RM: 5/2/1895
Having been sent outside the lines to obtain certain information of great importance and having succeeded in his mission, was surprised upon his return by a large force of the enemy, regaining the union lines only after greatly imperiling his life at Chancellorsville Va. 5/2/1863
Andrew Trayner :Cpl. Co D 1st Michagan Cavalry
B: Newark NJ ES: Rome NY RM: 9/28/1897
Having been surprised and captured by a detachment of guerrillas, this soldier, with other prisoners, seized the arms of the guard over them, killed 2 of the guerillas and enabled all of the prisoners to escape at Mason’s hill Va. 3/16/1864
Henry E. Tremain : Maj and Aide-De-Camp US volunteers
B: NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 6/30/1892
Voluntarily rode between the lines while 2 brigades of union troops were firing into each other and stopped the firing at Resaca Ga. 5/15/1864
John Tribe : Pvt. Co G 5th NY Cavalry
B: Tioga County NY ES: Oswego NY RM: 6/11/1895
Voluntarily assisted in the burning and destruction of the bridge under heavy fire of the enemy at Waterloo Bridge Va. 8/25/1862
Edward Van Winkle : Cpl Co C 148thNY Infantry
B: Phelps NY ES: Phelps NY RM: 4/6/1865
Took position in advance of the skirmish line and drove the enemy’s cannoneers from their guns at Chapin Farm Va. 9/29/1864
Earnest Von Vegesack : Maj. & Aide-De-Camp US Volunteers
B: Sweden ES: NY NY RM: 8/23/1893
While voluntarily serving as Aide-De-Camp, successfully and advantageously charged the position of troops under fire at Gaines Mill Va. 6/27/1862
Jerry Wall : Pvt. Co B 126th NY Infantry
B: Geneva NY ES: Milo NY RM: 12/1/1864
Capture of flag at Gettysburg PA 7/3/1863
William H. Walling : Capt. Co C 142nd NY Infantry
B: Hartford NY ES: Unknown RM: 3/28/1892
During the bombardment of the fort by the fleet, captured and brought the flag to the fort, the flagstaff having been shot down at Fort Fisher NC 12/25/1864
Martin Wambsgon : Pvt. Co D 90th NY Infantry
B: Germany ES: Cayuga County NY RM: 11/3/1896
While the enemy was in close proximity, this soldier sprang forward and bore off in safety the regimental colors, the color bearer having fallen on the field of battle at Cedar Creek Va. 10/19/1864
Alexander S. Webb : Brig. Gen. US Volunteers
B: 2/15/1835 NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 9/28/1891
Distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest at Gettysburg PA. 7/3/1863
James Webb : Pvt. Cop F 5th NY Infantry
B: Brooklyn NY ES: unknown RM: 9/17/1897
Under heavy fire voluntarily carried information to a battery commander that enabled him to save his guns from capture, was severely wounded but refused to go to the hospital and participated in the remainder of the campaign at Bull Run Va. 8/30/1862
John H. Weeks : Pvt. Co H 152nd NY Infantry
B: 3/15/1845 Hampton Conn. ES: Hartwick Seminary NY RM: 12/1/1864
Capture of flag and color bearer using an empty cocked rifle while out numbered 5 or 6 to 1 at Spotsylvania Pa. 5/12/1864
Henry C. Weir : Capt. And Assist. Adjutant Gen.
B: West Point NY ES: unknown RM: 5/18/1898
The division being pressed and falling back, this officer dismounted, gave his horse to a wounded officer and thus enabled him to escape. Afterward, on foot, Capt. Weir rallied and took command of some stragglers and helped to repel the last charge of the enemy at St. Mary’s church Va. 6/24/1864
Stephen Welch: Sgt. Co C 154th NY Infantry
B: Groton NY ES: Allegany Cattaraugus county NY RM: 4/13/1894
Risked his life in rescuing a wounded comrade under fire of the enemy at Dug Gap Ga. 5/8/1864
Henry S. Wills : Pvt. Co G 148th NY Infantry
B: unknown ES: Phelps NY RM: posthumously 4/6/1865
With 2 comrades, took position in advance of the skirmish line, within short distance of the enemy’s gunners, and drove them from their guns at Chapins Farm Va. 9/29/1864
Thomas M. Wills : Chief bugler 6th NY Cavalry
B: Ireland ES: DeKalb NY RM: 10/26/1864
Capture of colors of 44th Georgia Infantry at Cedar Creel Va. 10/19/1864
Le Roy Williams :Sgt Co G 8th NY Heavy artillery
B: Oswego NY ES: unknown RM: 4/1/1898
Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of the enemy’s sharp shooters and located the body of his colonel who had been killed close tot eh enemy lines. Under cover of darkness, with 4 companions, he recovered the body and brought it within union lines, having approached within a few feet of the confederate pickets while so engaged at Cold Harbor Va. 6/3/1864
William W. Winegar : LT. Co B 19th NY Cavalry ( 1st NY Dragoons)
B: Springport NY ES: unknown RM: 5/3/1865
While advancing in front of his company and alone, he found himself surrounded by the enemy. He accosted a nearby enemy flag bearer, demanding the surrender of the group. His effective firing of one shot so demoralized the unit it surrendered with flag at 5 Forks Va. 4/1/1865
Lewis S. Wisner : 1st Lt. Co K 124th NY Infantry
B: Wallkill Orange county NY ES: Wallkill Orange county NY RM: 1/2/1895
While serving as an engineer officer, voluntarily exposed himself to enemy fire at Spotsylvania VA. 5/12/1864
James M. Young : Pvt. Co B 72nd NY Infantry
B: Chautauqua County NY ES: Chautauqua County NY RM: 4/2/1898
With 2 companions, voluntarily went forward in the forest to reconnoiter the enemy’s position, was fired upon and one of his companions disabled. Pvt. Young took the wounded man upon his back and, under fire, carried him with in the union lines at Wilderness Va. 5/6/1864
Post script note: Aide-de-camp are attached to the person of the general, and receive orders only from him. Their functions are difficult and delicate. Often enjoying the full confidence of the general, they are employed in representing him, in writing orders, in carrying them in person if necessary, in communicating them verbally upon the battlefield and fields of maneuver. It is important that aide-de-camp should know well the position of troops, routes, post, quarters of generals, composition of columns, and orders of corps; facility in the use of the pen should be joined with exactness of expression; upon fields of battle they watch the movements of the enemy; not only grand maneuvers but special tactics should be familiar to them. It is necessary that their knowledge be sufficiently comprehensive to understand the object and purpose of all orders, and also to judge, in the varying circumstances of a battlefield, whether it is not necessary to modify an order when carried in person, or if there be time to return for new instructions.
Here ends the Medal of Honor recipients from NY- the US Civil War. Stay tuned for our next post US Medal of Honor recipients’ form NY- Indian campaigns.
B:Ireland ES: NY RM: 1/20/1891
Gallantly maintained the line of battle until ordered to fall back at Fair oaks Va. 5/31/&6/1/1862
Paul A. Oliver :Cpl. Co D 12th NY Infantry
B: 7/18/1831 ES: NY RM: 10/12/1892
While acting as aide assistant in preventing a disaster caused by Union troops firing into each other at Resaca Ga. 5/15/1864
Charles A. Orr :Pvt. Co G. 187th NY Infantry
B: Holland NY ES: Bennington NY RM: 4/1/1898
This soldier and 2 others, voluntarily and under fire, rescued several wounded and helpless soldiers at Hatchers Run Va. 10/27/1864
Loron F. Packard :Pvt. Co E. 5th NY Cavalry
B: Cattaraugus County NY ES: Cuba NY RM: 8/20/1894
After his command had retreated, this soldier, voluntarily and alone, returned to the assistance of a comrade and rescued him from the hands of 3 armed confederates at Raccoon Ford Va. 1/27/1863
Henry Jeremiah Parks :Pvt. Co A 9th NY Cavalry
B: 2/24/1848 Orangeville NY ES: Orangeville NY RM: 10/26/1864
While alone and in advance of his unit and attempting to cut off the retreat of a supply wagon, he fought and sent to flight a confederate color bearer. After capturing the color bearer and leaving him in the rear, he returned to the front and captured 3 more wagons and drivers at Cedar creek Va. 10/19/1864
John H. Patterson : 1st Lt. 11th OS Infantry
B: NY ES: NY RM: 7/23/1897
Under heavy fire o the advancing enemy, picked up and carried several hundred yards to a place of safety, a wounded officer of his regiment who was helpless and would otherwise have been burned in the forest at Wilderness Va. 5/5/1864
William Plimley : 1st Lt. Co F 120th NY Infantry
B: Catskill NY ES: Catskill NY RM: 4/4/1898
While acting as an aide to a General officer, voluntarily accompanied a regiment in an assault on the enemy’s works and acted as leader of the movement which resulted in the rout of the enemy and the capture of a large number of prisoners at Hatcher Run Va. 4/21/1865
Wiliam Porter : Sgt. Co H 1st NJ Cavalry
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: 7/3/1865
Among the first to check the enemy’s counter charge at Sailors Creek Va. 4/6/1865
Norman F. Potter :1st Sgt. Co E. 149th NY Infantry
B: Pompey NY ES: Pompey NY RM: 6/24/1865
Capture of flag (Bragg’s army) at Lookout mountain Tenn. 11/24/1863
Noble D. Preston ; 1st Lt. and commissary 10th NY Cavalry
B; unknown ES: Fulton NY RM: 11/22/1889
Voluntarily led a charge in which he was severely wounded at Trevelyan Station Va. 6/11/1864
Edgar P. Putman :Sgt. Co D 9th NY Cavalry
B; Stockton NY ES: Stockton NY RM: 5/13/1892
With a small force on a reconnaissance , drove off a strong body of the enemy, charged into another force of the enemy’s Cavalry and stampeded them, taking 27 prisoners at Crump’s Creek Va. 5/27/1864
James Quinlan : Maj. 88th NY Infantry
B: 9/13/1833 Ireland ES: NY NY RM: 2/18/1891
Led his regiment on the enemy’s battery, silenced the guns, held the position against overwhelming numbers and covered the retreat of the 2nd Army Corps at Savage Station Va. 6/29/1862
Peter Rafferty :Pvt. Co B 69th NY Infantry
B: Ireland ES: NY NY RM: 8/2/1897
Having been wounded and directed tot eh rear, declined to go but continued in action, recieveing several more wounds, which resulted in his capture by the enemy and his total disability for military service at Malvern Hill Va. 7/1/1862
Charles F. Rand : Pvt. Co K 12th NY Infantry
B: Batavia NY ES: Batavia NY RM: 10/23/1897
Remained in action when a part of his regiment broke in disorder, joined another company, and fought with it through the remainder of the engagement at Blackburn’s Ford Va. 7/18/1861
Myron H. Ranney : Pvt. Co G 13th NY Infantry
B:Franklinville NY ES: Unknown RM: 3/23/1895
Picked up the colors and carried them off the field after the color bearer had been shot down; was himself wounded at Bull Run Va. 8/30/1862
William H. Raymond : Cpl Co A 108th NY Infantry
B: Penfield NY ES: Penfield NY RM: 3/10/1896
Voluntarily and under a severe fire brought a box of ammunition to his comrades on the skirmish line at Gettysburg Pa. 7/3/1863
Morton A. Read : Lt. Co D 8th NY Cavalry
B: Brockport NY ES: Brockport NY RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag of 1st Texas Infantry at Appomattox Station Va. 4/8/1865
George Reynolds :Pvt. Co M 9th NY Cavalry
B: Ireland ES: NY, NY RM: 9/27/1864
Capture of flag at Winchester Va. 9/19/1864
Julius D. Rhodes : Pvt. Co F 5th NY Cavalry
B: Monroe County Michigan ES: Springville NY RM: 3/9/1887
After having had his horse shot under hime in the fight at Thoroughfare Gap Va., he voluntarily joined the 105th NY volunteers and was conspicuous in the advance on the enemy’s lines, displayed gallantry in the advance on the skirmish line at Bull Run Va. 8/28/1862
Rudolph Riddell :Lt. Co I 61st NY Infantry
B: Hamilton NY ES: Hamilton NY RM: 5/10/1865
Captured the flag of the 6th Alabama Cavalry at Sailors Creek Va. 4/6/1865
Robert S. Robertson : 1st Lt. Co K 93rd NY Infantry
B: Argyle NY ES: Argyle NY RM: 8/2/1897
While acting as aide-de-camp to a General Officer, seeing a regiment break to the rear, he seized its colors, rode with them to the front in the face of the advancing enemy, and rallied the retreating regiment at Corbins Bridge Va. 5/8/1864
John C. Robinson :Brig. Gen. US Volunteers
B: Binghamton NY ES: Binghamton NY RM: 3/28/1894
Placed himself at the head of the leading brigade in a charge upon the enemy’s breastworks and was severely wounded at Laurel Hill Va. 5/8/1864
Charles M. Rockefeller: Lt. Co A 178th NY Infantry
B: NY ES: NY RM: 8/2/1897
Voluntarily and alone, under a heavy fire, obtained valuable information which a reconnoitering party of 25 men had previously attempted and failed to obtain; suffering severe loss in the attempt. The information obtained by him was made the basis of the orders for the assault that followed. He also advanced with a few followers, under the fire of both sides, and captured 300 of the enemy who would other wise have escaped at Fort Blakely Alabama 4/9/1865
Charles L. Russell :Cpl Co H 93rd Infantry
B: Malone NY ES: Malone NY RM: 12/1/1864
Captured flag of 42nd Va. Infantry at Spotsylvania Va. 5/12/1864
John T. Rutherford : 1st Lt. Co L 9th NY Cavalry
B: Unknown ES: Canton NY RM: 3/22/1892
Made a successful charge at Yellow Tavern Va. 5/11/1864 by which 90 prisoners were captured. On May 27th 1864 in a gallant dash on a superior force of the enemy and in a personal encounter captured his opponent at Yellow Tavern Va. 5/11/1865
John C. Sagelhurst : Sgt. Co B 1st NJ Cavalry
B: Buffalo NY ES: Buffalo NY RM: 1/3/1906
Under heavy fire from the enemy carried off the field a commissioned officer who was severely wounded and also led a charge on the enemy’s rifle pits at Hatchers Run Va. 2/6/1865
Henry Sartwell :Sgt. Co D 123rd NY Infantry
B: Ticonderoga NY ES: St Ann NY RM: 11/17/1896
Was severely wounded by a gunshot in his left arm, went ½ mile to the rear but insisted on returning to his company and continued to fight bravely until he became exhausted from the loss of blood and was compelled to retire from the field at Chancellorsville Va. 5/3/1863
John Schiller :Pvt. CO E 158 NY Infantry
B: Germany ES: NY NY RM: 4/6/1865
Advanced to the ditch of the enemy’s works at Chapins Farm Va. 9/29/1864
George W. Schmal : Black Smith Co M 24th NY Cavalry
B: Germany ES: Buffalo NY RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag at Paines Crossroads Va. 4/15/1865
Theodore Schwan : 1st Lt. 10th OS Infantry
B: 7/9/1841 Germany ES: NY RM: 12/12/1898
At the imminent risk of his own life, while his regiment was falling back before a superior force of the enemy, he dragged a wounded and helpless officer to the rear, thus saving him from death or capture at Peebles Farm Va. 10/1/1864
David H. Scofield: Quartermaster Sgt. Co K 5th NY Us Cavalry
B: Mamaroneck NY ES: Unknown RM: 10/26/1864
Capture of flag of 13th Va. Infantry at Cedar Creek Va. 10/19/1864
Alexander Shader : Col 65th NY Infantry
B: 3/19/1827 Haddam Conn. ES: NY NY RM: 11/25/1893
At a most critical moment, the head of the charging column being about to be crushed by the severe fire of the enemy’s artillery and infantry, he pushed forward with a supporting column, pierced the enemy’s works and turned their flank at Mary’s Heights Va. 5/3/1863
Robert F. Shipley: Sgt. Co A 140th NY Infantry
B: Wayne NY ES: Unknown RM: 5/10/1865
Captured the flag of the 9th va Infantry in hand to hand combat at 5 Forks Va. 4/1/1865
Daniel Sickles : Maj. Gen. US Volunteers
B: NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 10/30/1897
Displayed most conspicuous gallantry on the field vigorously contesting the advance of the enemy and continuing to encourage his troops after being himself severely wounded at Gettysburg Pa. 7/2/1863
John Simmons : Pvt. Co D 2nd NY Heavy Artillery
B: Bethel NY ES: Liberty NY RM: 4/24/1865
Capture of flag at Sailors creek Va. 4/6/1865
Ebenezer Skellie : Cpl. Co D 112th NY Infantry
B: Mina NY ES: Mina NY RM: 4/6/1865
Took the colors of his regiment, the color bearer having fallen, and carried them through the first charge; Also in the second charge, after all the color guards had been killed or wounded he carried the colors up to the enemy’s works, where he fell wounded at Chopin’s farm Va. 9/29/1864
David L. Smith :Sgt. Battery E 1st NY light Artillery
B: unknown ES: Bath NY RM: 8/6/1906
This soldier, when a shell struck an ammunition chest, exploding a number of cartridges and setting fire to the packing tow, procured water and extinguished the fire, thus preventing the explosion of the remaining ammunition at Warwick Court house Va. 4/6/1862
Richard Smith: Pvt. Co B 95th NY Infantry
B: Harverstraw, Rockland County NY ES: Harverstraw, Rockland county NY RM:3/13/1865
Captured 2 officers and 20 men of Hagood’s brigade while they were endeavoring to make their way back through the woods at Weldon Railroad Va. 8/21/1864
Wilson Smith : Cpl. Battery H 3rd NY Lt. Artillary
B: Madison NY ES: Madison NY RM: 4/24/1896
Took command of a gun ( the Lt. in charge having disappeared) and fired the same so rapidly and effectively that the enemy was repulsed, although for a time a hand to hand conflict was had over the gun at Washington NC 9/6/1862
Joseph E. Sova :Saddler Co H 8th NY Cavalry
B: Chili NY ES: Unknown RM: 5/3/1865
Capture of flag at Appomattox Campaign Va. 3/29-4/9/1865
Julius Stahel : Maj. Gen. US Volunteers
B: 11/5/1825 Hungary ES: NY NY RM: 11/4/1893
Led his division into action until he was severely wounded at Piedmont Va. 6/5/1864
John H. Starkins : Sgt. 34th NY Battery
B: Great Neck NY ES: unknown RM: 7/30/1896
Brought off his piece without losing a man at Campbell Station Tenn. 11/16/1863
Harlan J. Swift : 2nd Lt. Co H 2nd NY Militia regiment
B: New Hudson NY ES: NY RM: 7/20/1897
Having advanced with his regiment and captured the enemy’s line, saw 4 of the enemy retiring towards their second line of works. He advanced upon them alone, compelled their surrender and regained his regiment with the 4 prisoners at Petersburg Va. 7/30/1864
Benjamin Thackrah : Pvt. Co H 115th NY Infantry
B: Scotland ES: Johnsonville NY RM: 5/2/1890
Was a volunteer in the surprise and capture of the enemy’s picket near Fort Getes Fla. 4/1/1864
George W. Thompkins :Cpl. Co F 124th NY Infantry
B: Orange County NY ES: Esport Jervis NY RM: 4/6/1865
Capture o flag of 49th Alabama Infantry from an officer who, with colors in hand, was rallying his men at Petersburg Va. 3/25/1865
Allen Thompson : Pvt. Co I 4th NY Heavy Artillary
B; NY NY ES: Port Jarvis NY RM: 4/22/1896
Made a hazardous reconnaissance through timber and slashing proceeding the union line of battle, signaling the troops and leading them through the obstruction at White Oak Road Va. 4/1/1865
James Thompson : Pvt. Co K 4th NY Heavy artillery
B: Sandy Creek NY ES: Sandy Creek NY RM: 4/22/1896
Made a hazardous reconnaissance through timber and slashing proceeding the union line of battle, signaling the troops and leading them through the obstruction at White Oak Road Va. 4/1/1865
J. ( James) Harry Thompson : Surgeon US Volunteers
B: England ES: NY RM: 11/11/1870
Voluntarily reconnoitered the enemy’s position and carried orders under the hottest fire at New Born NC 3/14/1862
Clifford Thomson : 1st Lt. Co A 1st NY Cavalry
B: Unknown ES: NY NY RM: 11/27/1896
Volunteered to ascertain the character of approaching troops; rode up so closely as to distinguish the features of the enemy, and as he wheeled to return, they opened fire with musketry. The union troop returned same. Under a terrible fire from both sides, Lt. Thompson rode back unhurt to the federal lines, averting a disaster to the army by his heroic act at Chancellorsville Va. 5/2/1863
Walter Thorn : 2nd Lt. Co G 116th US Colored troops
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: 12/8/1898
After the fuse of the mined bulkhead had been lit, this officer, learning that the picket guard had not been withdrawn, mounted the bulkhead and, at great personal peril, warned the guard of its danger at Dutch Gap Canal Va. 1/1/1865
Charles H. Tompkins : 1st Lt. 2nd US Cavalry
B: Fort Monroe ES: Brooklyn NY RM: 11/13/1893
Twice charged through the enemy’s lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy’s captain at Fairfax Va. 6/1/1861
Thomas Toohey : Sgt. 24th Wis. Infantry
B: NY NY ES: unknown RM: unknown
Gallantry in action; voluntarily assisting in working the guns of battery near the rear of the regiment after nearly every man had left them, the fire of the enemy being hottest at this than any other point on the line at Franklin Tenn. 11/30/1864
Benjamin F. Tracey : Col. 109th NY Infantry
B: 4/26/1830 Owego NY ES: Owego NY RM: 6/21/1895
Seized the colors and led the regiment when other regiments had retired and then reformed his line and held it at Wilderness Va. 5/6/1864
William G. Tracy : 2nd Lt. Co I 122nd NY Infantry
B: Onondaga NY ES: Onondaga NY RM: 5/2/1895
Having been sent outside the lines to obtain certain information of great importance and having succeeded in his mission, was surprised upon his return by a large force of the enemy, regaining the union lines only after greatly imperiling his life at Chancellorsville Va. 5/2/1863
Andrew Trayner :Cpl. Co D 1st Michagan Cavalry
B: Newark NJ ES: Rome NY RM: 9/28/1897
Having been surprised and captured by a detachment of guerrillas, this soldier, with other prisoners, seized the arms of the guard over them, killed 2 of the guerillas and enabled all of the prisoners to escape at Mason’s hill Va. 3/16/1864
Henry E. Tremain : Maj and Aide-De-Camp US volunteers
B: NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 6/30/1892
Voluntarily rode between the lines while 2 brigades of union troops were firing into each other and stopped the firing at Resaca Ga. 5/15/1864
John Tribe : Pvt. Co G 5th NY Cavalry
B: Tioga County NY ES: Oswego NY RM: 6/11/1895
Voluntarily assisted in the burning and destruction of the bridge under heavy fire of the enemy at Waterloo Bridge Va. 8/25/1862
Edward Van Winkle : Cpl Co C 148thNY Infantry
B: Phelps NY ES: Phelps NY RM: 4/6/1865
Took position in advance of the skirmish line and drove the enemy’s cannoneers from their guns at Chapin Farm Va. 9/29/1864
Earnest Von Vegesack : Maj. & Aide-De-Camp US Volunteers
B: Sweden ES: NY NY RM: 8/23/1893
While voluntarily serving as Aide-De-Camp, successfully and advantageously charged the position of troops under fire at Gaines Mill Va. 6/27/1862
Jerry Wall : Pvt. Co B 126th NY Infantry
B: Geneva NY ES: Milo NY RM: 12/1/1864
Capture of flag at Gettysburg PA 7/3/1863
William H. Walling : Capt. Co C 142nd NY Infantry
B: Hartford NY ES: Unknown RM: 3/28/1892
During the bombardment of the fort by the fleet, captured and brought the flag to the fort, the flagstaff having been shot down at Fort Fisher NC 12/25/1864
Martin Wambsgon : Pvt. Co D 90th NY Infantry
B: Germany ES: Cayuga County NY RM: 11/3/1896
While the enemy was in close proximity, this soldier sprang forward and bore off in safety the regimental colors, the color bearer having fallen on the field of battle at Cedar Creek Va. 10/19/1864
Alexander S. Webb : Brig. Gen. US Volunteers
B: 2/15/1835 NY NY ES: NY NY RM: 9/28/1891
Distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest at Gettysburg PA. 7/3/1863
James Webb : Pvt. Cop F 5th NY Infantry
B: Brooklyn NY ES: unknown RM: 9/17/1897
Under heavy fire voluntarily carried information to a battery commander that enabled him to save his guns from capture, was severely wounded but refused to go to the hospital and participated in the remainder of the campaign at Bull Run Va. 8/30/1862
John H. Weeks : Pvt. Co H 152nd NY Infantry
B: 3/15/1845 Hampton Conn. ES: Hartwick Seminary NY RM: 12/1/1864
Capture of flag and color bearer using an empty cocked rifle while out numbered 5 or 6 to 1 at Spotsylvania Pa. 5/12/1864
Henry C. Weir : Capt. And Assist. Adjutant Gen.
B: West Point NY ES: unknown RM: 5/18/1898
The division being pressed and falling back, this officer dismounted, gave his horse to a wounded officer and thus enabled him to escape. Afterward, on foot, Capt. Weir rallied and took command of some stragglers and helped to repel the last charge of the enemy at St. Mary’s church Va. 6/24/1864
Stephen Welch: Sgt. Co C 154th NY Infantry
B: Groton NY ES: Allegany Cattaraugus county NY RM: 4/13/1894
Risked his life in rescuing a wounded comrade under fire of the enemy at Dug Gap Ga. 5/8/1864
Henry S. Wills : Pvt. Co G 148th NY Infantry
B: unknown ES: Phelps NY RM: posthumously 4/6/1865
With 2 comrades, took position in advance of the skirmish line, within short distance of the enemy’s gunners, and drove them from their guns at Chapins Farm Va. 9/29/1864
Thomas M. Wills : Chief bugler 6th NY Cavalry
B: Ireland ES: DeKalb NY RM: 10/26/1864
Capture of colors of 44th Georgia Infantry at Cedar Creel Va. 10/19/1864
Le Roy Williams :Sgt Co G 8th NY Heavy artillery
B: Oswego NY ES: unknown RM: 4/1/1898
Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of the enemy’s sharp shooters and located the body of his colonel who had been killed close tot eh enemy lines. Under cover of darkness, with 4 companions, he recovered the body and brought it within union lines, having approached within a few feet of the confederate pickets while so engaged at Cold Harbor Va. 6/3/1864
William W. Winegar : LT. Co B 19th NY Cavalry ( 1st NY Dragoons)
B: Springport NY ES: unknown RM: 5/3/1865
While advancing in front of his company and alone, he found himself surrounded by the enemy. He accosted a nearby enemy flag bearer, demanding the surrender of the group. His effective firing of one shot so demoralized the unit it surrendered with flag at 5 Forks Va. 4/1/1865
Lewis S. Wisner : 1st Lt. Co K 124th NY Infantry
B: Wallkill Orange county NY ES: Wallkill Orange county NY RM: 1/2/1895
While serving as an engineer officer, voluntarily exposed himself to enemy fire at Spotsylvania VA. 5/12/1864
James M. Young : Pvt. Co B 72nd NY Infantry
B: Chautauqua County NY ES: Chautauqua County NY RM: 4/2/1898
With 2 companions, voluntarily went forward in the forest to reconnoiter the enemy’s position, was fired upon and one of his companions disabled. Pvt. Young took the wounded man upon his back and, under fire, carried him with in the union lines at Wilderness Va. 5/6/1864
Post script note: Aide-de-camp are attached to the person of the general, and receive orders only from him. Their functions are difficult and delicate. Often enjoying the full confidence of the general, they are employed in representing him, in writing orders, in carrying them in person if necessary, in communicating them verbally upon the battlefield and fields of maneuver. It is important that aide-de-camp should know well the position of troops, routes, post, quarters of generals, composition of columns, and orders of corps; facility in the use of the pen should be joined with exactness of expression; upon fields of battle they watch the movements of the enemy; not only grand maneuvers but special tactics should be familiar to them. It is necessary that their knowledge be sufficiently comprehensive to understand the object and purpose of all orders, and also to judge, in the varying circumstances of a battlefield, whether it is not necessary to modify an order when carried in person, or if there be time to return for new instructions.
Here ends the Medal of Honor recipients from NY- the US Civil War. Stay tuned for our next post US Medal of Honor recipients’ form NY- Indian campaigns.
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