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List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Gettysburg Campaign

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The Gettysburg Campaign was a campaign of the American Civil War in 1863. The Union and Confederate forces fought between June 3 and July 24 in southern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and northern Virginia. The main and namesake battle of the campaign was the Battle of Gettysburg, which was fought from July 1 to July 3 in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle involved the largest number of casualties of the entire war and is often described as a turning point of the civil war. The Medal of Honor was awarded to 71 Union soldiers for seven different actions of the campaign.

Action Dates Number of awards
Second Battle of Winchester June 13–15
3
Battle of Aldie June 17
1
Battle of Hanover June 30
1
Battle of Gettysburg July 1–3
62
Battle of Fairfield July 3
2
Battle of Monterey Pass July 4–5
1
Battle of Williamsport July 6–16
1

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War in 1862. It was, and to date is, the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. The award criteria have been modified over time and thus the current criteria do not match those used for awards during the Civil War. Due to the nature of this medal it is commonly, though by far not exclusively, awarded posthumously.

The Medal of Honor in the original 1862 U.S. Army version

Recipients

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  This color, along with the * , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Image Name Rank Unit Date of action Date of award Citation & Notes
Nathaniel M. Allen Corporal 1st Massachusetts Infantry July 2, 1863 March 29, 1899 "When his regiment was falling back, this soldier, bearing the national color, returned in the face of the enemy's fire, pulled the regimental flag from under the body of its bearer, who had fallen, saved the flag from capture, and brought both colors off the field."
Elijah W. Bacon* Private 14th Connecticut Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 16th North Carolina regiment (C.S.A.)."
George G. Benedict Second Lieutenant 12th Vermont Infantry July 3, 1863 June 27, 1892 "Passed through a murderous fire of grape and canister in delivering orders and re-formed the crowded lines."
Morris Brown, Jr.* Captain 126th New York Infantry July 3, 1863 March 6, 1869 "Capture of flag." (28th North Carolina Infantry)
Thomas Burke Private 5th New York Cavalry June 30, 1863 February 11, 1878 "Capture of battle flag." (13th Virginia Cavalry at the Battle of Hanover)
Charles E. Capehart Major 1st West Virginia Cavalry July 4, 1863 April 7, 1898 "While commanding the regiment, Major Capehart 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." (at the Battle of Monterey Pass)
Hugh Carey Sergeant 82nd New York Infantry July 2, 1863 February 6, 1888 "Captured the flag of the 7th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.), being twice wounded in the effort."
Casper R. Carlisle Private Company F, Pennsylvania Light Artillery July 2, 1863 December 21, 1892 "Saved a gun of his battery under heavy musketry fire, most of the horses being killed and the drivers wounded."
Joshua L. Chamberlain Colonel 20th Maine Infantry July 2, 1863 August 11, 1893 "...for daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top."
Harrison Clark Corporal 125th New York Infantry July 2, 1863 June 11, 1895 "Seized the colors and advanced with them after the color bearer had been shot."
John E. Clopp Private 71st Pennsylvania Infantry July 3, 1863 February 2, 1865 "Capture of flag of 9th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.), wresting it from the color bearer."
Jefferson Coates Sergeant 7th Wisconsin Infantry July 1, 1863 June 29, 1866 "Unsurpassed courage in battle, where he had both eyes shot out."
Alonzo H. Cushing* First Lieutenant Battery A, 4th U.S. Light Artillery July 3, 1863 November 6, 2014 "Refusing to evacuate to the rear despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his lone field piece continuing to fire in the face of the enemy."
Joseph H. De Castro Corporal 19th Massachusetts Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 19th Virginia Infantry regiment (C.S.A.)."
Luigi Palma di Cesnola Colonel 4th New York Cavalry June 17, 1863 December 6, 1897 "Was present, in arrest, when, seeing his regiment fall back, he rallied his men, accompanied them, without arms, in a second charge, and in recognition of his gallantry was released from arrest. He continued in the action at the head of his regiment until he was desperately wounded and taken prisoner." (at the Battle of Aldie)
George H. Dore Sergeant 126th New York Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "The colors being struck down by a shell as the enemy were charging, this soldier rushed out and seized it, exposing himself to the fire of both sides."
James R. Durham Second Lieutenant 12th West Virginia Infantry June 14, 1863 March 6, 1890 "Second Lieutenant Durham led his command over the stone wall, where he was wounded." (at the Second Battle of Winchester)
Richard Enderlin Musician 73rd Ohio Infantry July 1 – July 3, 1863 September 11, 1897 "Voluntarily took a rifle and served as a soldier in the ranks during the first and second days of the battle. Voluntarily and at his own imminent peril went into the enemy's lines at night and, under a sharp fire, rescued a wounded comrade."
Benjamin Falls* Color Sergeant 19th Massachusetts Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag." (19th Virginia Infantry)
John B. Fassett Captain 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry July 2, 1863 December 29, 1894 "While acting as an aide, voluntarily led a regiment to the relief of a battery and recaptured its guns from the enemy."
Christopher Flynn Corporal 14th Connecticut Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 52d North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Frederick Fuger First Sergeant Battery A, 4th U.S. Light Artillery July 3, 1863 August 24, 1897 "All the officers of his battery having been killed or wounded and five of its guns disabled in Pickett's assault, he succeeded to the command and fought the remaining gun with most distinguished gallantry until the battery was ordered withdrawn."
Chester S. Furman Corporal 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 August 3, 1897 "Was 1 of 6 volunteers who charged upon a log house near Devil's Den, where a squad of the enemy's sharpshooters were sheltered, and compelled their surrender."
Edward L. Gilligan First Sergeant 88th Pennsylvania Infantry July 1, 1863 April 30, 1892 "Assisted in the capture of a Confederate flag by knocking down the color sergeant." (23rd North Carolina Infantry)
John W. Hart Sergeant 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 August 3, 1897 "Was one of six volunteers who charged upon a log house near the Devil's Den, where a squad of the enemy's sharpshooters were sheltered, and compelled their surrender."
William B. Hincks Sergeant Major 14th Connecticut Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "During the high-water mark of Pickett's charge on 3 July 1863 the colors of the 14th Tenn. Inf. C.S.A. were planted 50 yards in front of the center of Sgt. Maj. Hincks' regiment."
Charles M. Holton First Sergeant 7th Michigan Cavalry July 14, 1863 March 21, 1889 "Capture of flag of 55th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.). In the midst of the battle with foot soldiers he dismounted to capture the flag.." (at the Battle of Williamsport)
Thomas Horan Sergeant 72nd New York Infantry July 2, 1863 April 5, 1898 "In a charge of his regiment this soldier captured the regimental flag of the 8th Florida Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Henry S. Huidekoper Lieutenant Colonel 150th Pennsylvania Infantry July 1, 1863 May 27, 1905 "While engaged in repelling an attack of the enemy, received a severe wound of the right arm, but instead of retiring remained at the front in command of the regiment."
Francis Irsch Captain 45th New York Infantry July 1, 1863 May 27, 1892 "Gallantry in flanking the enemy and capturing a number of prisoners and in holding a part of the town against heavy odds while the Army was rallying on Cemetery Hill."
Benjamin H. Jellison Sergeant 19th Massachusetts Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 57th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.). He also assisted in taking prisoners."
Wallace W. Johnson Sergeant 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 August 8, 1900 "With five other volunteers gallantly charged on a number of the enemy's sharpshooters concealed in a log house, captured them, and brought them into the Union lines."
Edward M. Knox Second Lieutenant 15th Battery, New York Light Artillery July 2, 1863 October 18, 1892 "Held his ground with the battery after the other batteries had fallen back until compelled to draw his piece off by hand; he was severely wounded."
John Lonergan Captain 13th Vermont Infantry July 2, 1863 October 28, 1893 "Gallantry in the recapture of 4 guns and the capture of 2 additional guns from the enemy; also the capture of a number of prisoners."
John B. Mayberry Private 1st Delaware Infantry July 3, 1863 December 6, 1864 "Captured the enemy flag." (7th North Carolina Infantry)
Bernard McCarren Private 1st Delaware Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag." (13th Alabama Infantry)
George W. Mears Sergeant 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 February 16, 1897 "With five volunteers he gallantly charged on a number of the enemy's sharpshooters concealed in a log house, captured them, and brought them into the Union lines."
John G. Miller Corporal 8th Ohio Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "for capture of 2 flags" (34th North Carolina Infantry & 38th Virginia Infantry)
William E. Miller Captain 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry July 3, 1863 July 21, 1897 "Without orders, led a charge of his squadron upon the flank of the enemy, checked his attack, and cut off and dispersed the rear of his column."
Harvey M. Munsell Sergeant 99th Pennsylvania Infantry July 1 – July 3, 1863 February 5, 1866 "Gallant and courageous conduct as color bearer. (This noncommissioned officer carried the colors of his regiment through 13 engagements.)"
Henry D. O'Brien Corporal 1st Minnesota Infantry July 3, 1863 April 9, 1890 "Taking up the colors where they had fallen, he rushed ahead of his regiment, close to the muzzles of the enemy's guns, and engaged in the desperate struggle in which the enemy was defeated, and though severely wounded, he held the colors until wounded a second time."
John Patterson Principal Musician 122nd Ohio Infantry June 14, 1863 May 13, 1899 "With one companion, voluntarily went in front of the Union lines, under a heavy fire from the enemy, and carried back a helpless, wounded comrade, thus saving him from death or capture." (at the Second Battle of Winchester)
James Pipes Captain 140th Pennsylvania Infantry July 2, 1863 & August 25, 1864 April 5, 1898 "While a sergeant and retiring with his company before the rapid advance of the enemy at Gettysburg, he and a companion stopped and carried to a place of safety a wounded and helpless comrade; in this act both he and his companion were severely wounded. A year later, at Reams Station, Virginia, while commanding a skirmish line, voluntarily assisted in checking a flank movement of the enemy, and while so doing was severely wounded, suffering the loss of an arm."
George C. Platt Private 6th U.S. Cavalry July 3, 1863 July 12, 1895 "Seized the regimental flag upon the death of the standard bearer in a hand-to-hand fight and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy." (at the Battle of Fairfield)
James P. Postles Captain 1st Delaware Infantry July 2, 1863 July 22, 1892 "Voluntarily delivered an order in the face of heavy fire of the enemy."
James J. Purman First Lieutenant 140th Pennsylvania Infantry July 2, 1863 October 30, 1896 "Voluntarily assisted a wounded comrade to a place of apparent safety while the enemy were in close proximity; he received the fire of the enemy and a wound which resulted in the amputation of his left leg."
William H. Raymond Corporal 108th New York Infantry July 3, 1863 March 10, 1896 "Voluntarily and under a severe fire brought a box of ammunition to his comrades on the skirmish line."
Charles W. Reed Bugler 9th Battery, Massachusetts Light Artillery July 2, 1863 August 16, 1895 "Rescued his wounded captain from between the lines."
J. Monroe Reisinger Corporal 150th Pennsylvania Infantry July 1, 1863 January 25, 1907 "Specially brave and meritorious conduct in the face of the enemy. Awarded under Act of Congress, January 25, 1907."
Edmund Rice Major 19th Massachusetts Infantry July 3, 1863 October 6, 1891 "Conspicuous bravery on the third day of the battle on the countercharge against Pickett's division where he fell severely wounded within the enemy's lines."
James Richmond* Private 8th Ohio Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag."
Elbridge Robinson Private 122nd Ohio Infantry June 14, 1863 April 5, 1898 "With one companion, Private Robinson voluntarily went in front of the Union line, under a heavy fire from the enemy, and carried back a helpless, wounded comrade, thus saving him from death or capture." (at the Second Battle of Winchester)
John H. Robinson Private 19th Massachusetts Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 57th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Oliver P. Rood Private 20th Indiana Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 21st North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.)."
George W. Roosevelt First Sergeant 26th Pennsylvania Infantry August 30, 1862 & July 2, 1863 July 2, 1897 "At Bull Run, Virginia, recaptured the colors, which had been seized by the enemy. At Gettysburg captured a Confederate color bearer and color, in which effort he was severely wounded." (2nd Florida Infantry)
J. Levi Roush Corporal 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 August 3, 1897 "Was 1 of 6 volunteers who charged upon a log house near the Devil's Den, where a squad of the enemy's sharpshooters were sheltered, and compelled their surrender."
James M. Rutter Sergeant 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry July 1, 1863 October 30, 1896 "At great risk of his life went to the assistance of a wounded comrade, and while under fire removed him to a place of safety."
Martin Schwenk Sergeant 6th U.S. Cavalry July 3, 1863 April 23, 1889 "...for bravery in an attempt to carry a communication through the enemy's lines. Sergeant Schwenk also rescued an officer from the hands of the enemy." (at the Battle of Fairfield)
Alfred J. Sellers Major 90th Pennsylvania Infantry July 1, 1863 July 21, 1894 "Voluntarily led the regiment under a withering fire to a position from which the enemy was repulsed."
Marshall Sherman Private 1st Minnesota Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 28th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Daniel E. Sickles Major General III Corps July 2, 1863 October 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."
Thaddeus S. Smith Corporal 6th Pennsylvania Reserves July 2, 1863 May 5, 1900 "Was 1 of 6 volunteers who charged upon a log house near the Devil's Den, where a squad of the enemy's sharpshooters were sheltered, and compelled their surrender."
Charles Stacey Private 55th Ohio Infantry July 2, 1863 June 23, 1896 "Voluntarily took an advanced position on the skirmish line for the purpose of ascertaining the location of Confederate sharpshooters, and under heavy fire held the position thus taken until the company of which he was a member went back to the main line. "
James B. Thompson Sergeant 1st Pennsylvania Rifles July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 15th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Andrew J. Tozier Sergeant 20th Maine Infantry July 2, 1863 August 13, 1898 "At the crisis of the engagement this soldier, a color bearer, stood alone in an advanced position, the regiment having been borne back, and defended his colors with musket and ammunition picked up at his feet."
Wheelock G. Veazey Colonel 16th Vermont Infantry July 3, 1863 September 8, 1891 "Rapidly assembled his regiment and charged the enemy's flank; charged front under heavy fire, and charged and destroyed a Confederate brigade, all this with new troops in their first battle."
Jerry Wall Private 126th New York Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag."
Francis A. Wallar Corporal 6th Wisconsin Infantry July 1, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of 2nd Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.)."
Alexander S. Webb Brigadier General Philadelphia Brigade July 3, 1863 September 28, 1891 "Distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest."
William Wells Major 1st Vermont Cavalry July 3, 1863 September 8, 1891 "Led the second battalion of his regiment in a daring charge."
James Wiley Sergeant 59th New York Infantry July 3, 1863 December 1, 1864 "Capture of flag of a Georgia regiment." (48th Georgia Infantry, captured on July 2)

References

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  • "Medal of Honor recipients". Listing of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who received the Medal of Honor. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2016.

See also

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