Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Grant County, Wisconsin, he enlisted in the Union Army on August 29, 1861, and was mustered in as a Corporal in Company H, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which became part of the Army of the Potomac’s famous “Iron Brigade”. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on the First Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, (July 1, 1863). With his citation reading “Unsurpassed courage in battle, where he had both eyes shot out”. He was also bayonetted in the side during the battle, and was saved from death by a Confederate officer, who had him brought under a shade tree. He survived his injuries although blinded for life from his wounds from the battle. He was eventually honorably discharged due to his disability on September 22, 1864, and his Medal was awarded to him on June 29, 1866. Later in life he learned to read braille, become a broom maker, marry and raise five children. He was one of four 7th Wisconsin Infantry soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the War (the others being Private Horace Ellis, Sergeant Albert O’Connor, and Sergeant William H. Sickles).
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Grant County, Wisconsin, he enlisted in the Union Army on August 29, 1861, and was mustered in as a Corporal in Company H, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which became part of the Army of the Potomac’s famous “Iron Brigade”. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on the First Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, (July 1, 1863). With his citation reading “Unsurpassed courage in battle, where he had both eyes shot out”. He was also bayonetted in the side during the battle, and was saved from death by a Confederate officer, who had him brought under a shade tree. He survived his injuries although blinded for life from his wounds from the battle. He was eventually honorably discharged due to his disability on September 22, 1864, and his Medal was awarded to him on June 29, 1866. Later in life he learned to read braille, become a broom maker, marry and raise five children. He was one of four 7th Wisconsin Infantry soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the War (the others being Private Horace Ellis, Sergeant Albert O’Connor, and Sergeant William H. Sickles).
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
SERG CO H
7 WISC INF
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
