Canadian Soldiers & Sailors – US Medal of Honor Winners
US Civil War (1861-1865)
1. ASTEN, CHARLES
2. BOIS, FRANK
Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: Northampton, Mass. Born: 1841, Canada.
Date of issue: 24 November 1916. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863.
Citation: Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by enemy shellfire that her fate was sealed. Conspicuously cool in making signals throughout the battle, Bois, after all the Cincinnati's staffs had been shot away, succeeded in nailing the flag to the stump of the forestaff to enable this proud ship to go down, "with her colors nailed to the mast."
Date of issue: 24 November 1916. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863.
Citation: Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by enemy shellfire that her fate was sealed. Conspicuously cool in making signals throughout the battle, Bois, after all the Cincinnati's staffs had been shot away, succeeded in nailing the flag to the stump of the forestaff to enable this proud ship to go down, "with her colors nailed to the mast."
3. BROWN, JOHN HARTIES
Rank and organization: Captain, Company D, 12th Kentucky Infantry. Entered service at: Charlestown, Mass.
Born: 1834, New Brunswick, Canada.
Place and date: At Franklin, Tenn., 30 November 1864.
Date of issue: 13 February 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag.
Born: 1834, New Brunswick, Canada.
Place and date: At Franklin, Tenn., 30 November 1864.
Date of issue: 13 February 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag.
4. BUCKLEY, DENNIS
Rank and organization: Private, Company G, 136th New York Infantry. Entered service at: Avon, N.Y.
Birth: Lindsay, Ontario
Place and date: At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., 20 July 1864.
Date of issue: 7 April 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (C.S.A.).
Birth: Lindsay, Ontario
Place and date: At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., 20 July 1864.
Date of issue: 7 April 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (C.S.A.).
5. CAYER, OVILA
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A , 14th U.S. Volunteers. Entered service at:------.
Birth: St. Rémi, Québec, Canada.
Place and date: At Weldon Railroad, Va., 19 August 1864.
Date of issue: 15 February 1867.
Citation: Commanded the regiment, all the officers being disabled.
Birth: St. Rémi, Québec, Canada.
Place and date: At Weldon Railroad, Va., 19 August 1864.
Date of issue: 15 February 1867.
Citation: Commanded the regiment, all the officers being disabled.
6. CHAPUT, LOUIS G.
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy.
Born: 1845, Montréal, Québec.
Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Severely wounded, Chaput remained at his gun until relieved, reported to the surgeon and returned to his gun until the action was over. He was then carried below following the action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.
Born: 1845, Montréal, Québec.
Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Severely wounded, Chaput remained at his gun until relieved, reported to the surgeon and returned to his gun until the action was over. He was then carried below following the action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.
7. COFFEY, ROBERT J.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company K, 4th Vermont Infantry. Entered service at: Montpelier, Vt.
Birth: 1842, Nova Scotia.
Place and date: At Banks Ford, Va., 4 May 1863.
Date of issue: 13 May 1892.
Citation: Single-handedly captured 2 officers and 5 privates of the 8th Louisiana Regiment (C.S.A.).
Birth: 1842, Nova Scotia.
Place and date: At Banks Ford, Va., 4 May 1863.
Date of issue: 13 May 1892.
Citation: Single-handedly captured 2 officers and 5 privates of the 8th Louisiana Regiment (C.S.A.).
8. DODD, ROBERT F.
Rank and organization: Private, Company E, 27th Michigan Infantry.
Entered service at: Hantramck, Mich.
Born: 1844, St John, New Brunswick.
Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July 1864.
Date of issue: 27 July 1896.
Citation: While acting as orderly, voluntarily assisted to carry off the wounded from the ground in front of the crater while exposed to a heavy fire.
Entered service at: Hantramck, Mich.
Born: 1844, St John, New Brunswick.
Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July 1864.
Date of issue: 27 July 1896.
Citation: While acting as orderly, voluntarily assisted to carry off the wounded from the ground in front of the crater while exposed to a heavy fire.
9. DODDS, EDWARD E.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 21st New York Cavalry.
Entered service at: Rochester, N.Y.
Birth: Port Hope, Ontario.
Place and date: At Ashbys Gap, Va., 19 July 1864.
Date of issue: 11 June 1896.
Citation: While engaged with Confederate forces at Ashbys Gap, Virginia, on July 19, 1864, a captain of the 21st New York Cavalry fell wounded on the battlefield and lay at the mercy of the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Edward Dodds braved the fusillade to go to his captain's side, and carry him to a place of safety.
Entered service at: Rochester, N.Y.
Birth: Port Hope, Ontario.
Place and date: At Ashbys Gap, Va., 19 July 1864.
Date of issue: 11 June 1896.
Citation: While engaged with Confederate forces at Ashbys Gap, Virginia, on July 19, 1864, a captain of the 21st New York Cavalry fell wounded on the battlefield and lay at the mercy of the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Edward Dodds braved the fusillade to go to his captain's side, and carry him to a place of safety.
10. FITZPATRICK, THOMAS
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy.
Born: 1837, Canada. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: As captain of the No. 1 gun on board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford, during action against rebel gunboats, the ram Tennessee and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Although struck several times in the face by splinters, and with his gun disabled when a shell burst between the 2 forward 9-inch guns, killing and wounding 15 men, Fitzpatrick, within a few minutes, had the gun in working order again with new track, breeching and side tackle, had sent the wounded below, cleared the area of other casualties, and was fighting his gun as before. He served as an inspiration to the members of his crew and contributed to the success of the action in which the Tennessee was captured.
Born: 1837, Canada. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: As captain of the No. 1 gun on board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford, during action against rebel gunboats, the ram Tennessee and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Although struck several times in the face by splinters, and with his gun disabled when a shell burst between the 2 forward 9-inch guns, killing and wounding 15 men, Fitzpatrick, within a few minutes, had the gun in working order again with new track, breeching and side tackle, had sent the wounded below, cleared the area of other casualties, and was fighting his gun as before. He served as an inspiration to the members of his crew and contributed to the success of the action in which the Tennessee was captured.
11. GARVIN, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Captain of the Forecastle, U.S. Navy.
Born: 1835. Canada.
Accredited to: Virginia. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: Garvin served on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 23 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew again boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than 2 hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the fort.
Born: 1835. Canada.
Accredited to: Virginia. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: Garvin served on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near Fort Fisher, 23 December 1864. The powder boat, towed in by the Wilderness to prevent detection by the enemy, cast off and slowly steamed to within 300 yards of the beach. After fuses and fires had been lit and a second anchor with short scope let go to assure the boat's tailing inshore, the crew again boarded the Wilderness and proceeded a distance of 12 miles from shore. Less than 2 hours later the explosion took place, and the following day fires were observed still burning at the fort.
12. GILMORE, JOHN C.
Rank and organization: Major, 16th New York Infantry. Entered service at: Potsdam, N.Y.
Birth: Canada, 18 April 1837.
Place and date: At Salem Heights, Va., 3 May 1863.
Date of issue: 10 October 1892.
Citation: Seized the colors of his regiment and gallantly rallied his men under a very severe fire.
Birth: Canada, 18 April 1837.
Place and date: At Salem Heights, Va., 3 May 1863.
Date of issue: 10 October 1892.
Citation: Seized the colors of his regiment and gallantly rallied his men under a very severe fire.
13. HAGERTY, ASEL
Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 61st New York Infantry. Entered service at:------.
Birth: Canada, 30 June 1837.
Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865.
Date of issue: 10 May 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag.
Birth: Canada, 30 June 1837.
Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865.
Date of issue: 10 May 1865.
Citation: Capture of flag.
14. HIGGINS, THOMAS J
Rank and organization: Sgt., Coy D, 99th Illinois Inf.
Born: Rivière l’Équerre, Quebec
Citation:
Born: Rivière l’Équerre, Quebec
Citation:
15. HOUGHTON, GEORGE L
Rank and organization: Pvt, Coy D, 104th Illinois Inf. Entered service at: Brookfield, Cook County, Ill.
Born: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Place and date: At Elk River, Tenn., 2 July 1863.
Date of issue: 27 March 1900.
Citation: Voluntarily joined a small party that, under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the bridge.
Born: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Place and date: At Elk River, Tenn., 2 July 1863.
Date of issue: 27 March 1900.
Citation: Voluntarily joined a small party that, under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the bridge.
16. McINTOSH, JAMES
Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy U.S.S. Richmond
Born: 1833, Canada
Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Mclntosh performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the prolonged battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the successful attacks carried out on Fort Morgan.
Born: 1833, Canada
Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Mclntosh performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the prolonged battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the successful attacks carried out on Fort Morgan.
17. McMAHON, MARTIN T.
Rank and organization: Captain, and Aide-de-Camp. U.S. Volunteers Entered service at: California.
Born: March 21, 1838, La Prairie, Quebec
Place and date: At White Oak Swamp, Va., 30 June i862.
Date of issue: 10 March 1891.
Citation: Under fire of the enemy, successfully destroyed a valuable train that had been abandoned and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy.
Born: March 21, 1838, La Prairie, Quebec
Place and date: At White Oak Swamp, Va., 30 June i862.
Date of issue: 10 March 1891.
Citation: Under fire of the enemy, successfully destroyed a valuable train that had been abandoned and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy.
18. McVEANE, JOHN P.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 49th New York Infantry Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y.
Born: Toronto, Ontario
Place and date: At Fredericksburg Heights, Va., 4 May 1863. Birth: Canada.
Date of issue: 21 September 1870.
Citation: Shot a Confederate color bearer and seized the flag; also approached, alone, a barn between the lines and demanded and received the surrender of a number of the enemy therein.
Born: Toronto, Ontario
Place and date: At Fredericksburg Heights, Va., 4 May 1863. Birth: Canada.
Date of issue: 21 September 1870.
Citation: Shot a Confederate color bearer and seized the flag; also approached, alone, a barn between the lines and demanded and received the surrender of a number of the enemy therein.
19. MURPHY, JAMES T.
Rank and organization: Private, Company L, 1st Connecticut Artillery Entered service at: New Haven, Conn.
Born: Canada
Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 25 March 1865.
Date of issue: 29 October 1886.
Citation: A piece of artillery having been silenced by the enemy, this soldier voluntarily ass1sted in working the piece, conducting himself throughout the engagement in a gallant and fearless manner.
Born: Canada
Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 25 March 1865.
Date of issue: 29 October 1886.
Citation: A piece of artillery having been silenced by the enemy, this soldier voluntarily ass1sted in working the piece, conducting himself throughout the engagement in a gallant and fearless manner.
20. NUTTING, LEE
Rank and organization: Captain, Coy C, 61st New York Infantry
Born: 14 October, 1837, Canada
Citation: On May 8, following the three-day initial Wilderness battle, Captain Lee Nutting led his regiment against rebel forces at Todds Tavern, Virginia, in the continuing series of battles leading to Richmond. At the head of his men, he continued to valiantly lead against a murderous fire, until he fell severely wounded, but eventually recovered
Born: 14 October, 1837, Canada
Citation: On May 8, following the three-day initial Wilderness battle, Captain Lee Nutting led his regiment against rebel forces at Todds Tavern, Virginia, in the continuing series of battles leading to Richmond. At the head of his men, he continued to valiantly lead against a murderous fire, until he fell severely wounded, but eventually recovered
21. O'CONNOR, ALBERT
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A, 7th Wisconsin Infantry Entered service at: West Point Township, Columbia County, Wis.
Born: Hereford, Quebec
Place and date: At Gravelly Run, Va., 31 March and 1 April 1865.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: On 31 March 1865, with a comrade, recaptured a Union officer from a detachment of 9 Confederates, capturing 3 of the detachment and dispersing the remainder, and on 1 April 1865, seized a stand of Confederate colors, killing a Confederate officer in a hand_to_hand contest over the colors and retaining the colors until surrounded by Confederates and compelled to relinquish them.
Born: Hereford, Quebec
Place and date: At Gravelly Run, Va., 31 March and 1 April 1865.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: On 31 March 1865, with a comrade, recaptured a Union officer from a detachment of 9 Confederates, capturing 3 of the detachment and dispersing the remainder, and on 1 April 1865, seized a stand of Confederate colors, killing a Confederate officer in a hand_to_hand contest over the colors and retaining the colors until surrounded by Confederates and compelled to relinquish them.
22. PICKLE, ALONZO H.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 1st Battalion, Minnesota Infantry Entered service at: Dover, Minn.
Born: Fanham, Quebec
Place and date: At Deep Bottom, Va., 14 August 1864.
Date of issue: 12 June 1895.
Citation: At the risk of his life, voluntarily went to the assistance of a wounded officer Iying close to the enemy's lines and, under fire carried him to a place of safety.
Born: Fanham, Quebec
Place and date: At Deep Bottom, Va., 14 August 1864.
Date of issue: 12 June 1895.
Citation: At the risk of his life, voluntarily went to the assistance of a wounded officer Iying close to the enemy's lines and, under fire carried him to a place of safety.
23. POWERS, WESLEY J.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company F, 147th Illinois Infantry Entered service at: Virgil, Ill.
Born: Orono, Ontario
Place and date: At Oostanaula, Ga., 3 April 1865.
Date of issue: 24 October 1895.
Citation: Voluntarily swam the river under heavy fire and secured a ferryboat, by means of which the command crossed.
Born: Orono, Ontario
Place and date: At Oostanaula, Ga., 3 April 1865.
Date of issue: 24 October 1895.
Citation: Voluntarily swam the river under heavy fire and secured a ferryboat, by means of which the command crossed.
24. RICH, CARLOS H.
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company K, 4th Vermont Infantry Entered service at: Northfield, Mass.
Born: 1841, Canada
Place and date: At Wilderness, Va., 5 May 1864.
Date of issue: 4 January 1895.
Citation: Saved the life of an officer.
Born: 1841, Canada
Place and date: At Wilderness, Va., 5 May 1864.
Date of issue: 4 January 1895.
Citation: Saved the life of an officer.
25. ROBINSON, CHARLES
Rank and organization: BM, U.S. Navy
Born: 1840, Nova Scotia
Citation: During December 23 - 27, 1862, the U.S.S. Baron De Kalb proceeded up the Yazoo River in Mississippi with the objective of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. During these various action , Boatswain's Mate Robinson was one of four members of the crew who received the Medal of Honor for his distinguished bravery
Born: 1840, Nova Scotia
Citation: During December 23 - 27, 1862, the U.S.S. Baron De Kalb proceeded up the Yazoo River in Mississippi with the objective of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. During these various action , Boatswain's Mate Robinson was one of four members of the crew who received the Medal of Honor for his distinguished bravery
26. SCOTT, ALEXANDER
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 10th Vermont Infantry Entered service at: Winooski, Vt.
Born: 1844, Canada
Place and date: At Monocacy, Md., 9 July 1864.
Date of issue: 28 September 1897.
Citation: Under a very heavy fire of the enemy saved the national flag of his regiment from capture.
Born: 1844, Canada
Place and date: At Monocacy, Md., 9 July 1864.
Date of issue: 28 September 1897.
Citation: Under a very heavy fire of the enemy saved the national flag of his regiment from capture.
27. SHIVERS, JOHN
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Born: 1830, Canada
Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.. 59, 22 June 1865.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Minnesota, in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Shivers advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two_thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.
Born: 1830, Canada
Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.. 59, 22 June 1865.
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Minnesota, in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Shivers advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two_thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.
28. YOUNG, BENJAMIN F.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Entered service at: Canada.
Born: 1844, Canada
Citation: Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 17 June 1864.
Date of issue: December 1864.
Citation: Capture of flag of 35th North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.).
Born: 1844, Canada
Citation: Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 17 June 1864.
Date of issue: December 1864.
Citation: Capture of flag of 35th North Carolina Infantry (C.S.A.).
29. YOUNG, HORATIO NELSON
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy
Born: 1845, St-Stephens, New Brunswick
Citation: On November 16, 1863, the U.S.S. Lehigh ran aground in Charleston Harbor beneath the guns of the Confederate batteries at Fort Moultrie. Seaman Young was one of five members of the crew of the U.S.S. Lehigh that volunteered to enter a small boat and, under fire from the enemy guns, transferred a hawser to the nearby U.S.S. Nahant, which was then able to pull the besieged Lehigh from the rocks. All five saved the USS Lehigh from certain destruction and were awarded the Medal of Honor
Born: 1845, St-Stephens, New Brunswick
Citation: On November 16, 1863, the U.S.S. Lehigh ran aground in Charleston Harbor beneath the guns of the Confederate batteries at Fort Moultrie. Seaman Young was one of five members of the crew of the U.S.S. Lehigh that volunteered to enter a small boat and, under fire from the enemy guns, transferred a hawser to the nearby U.S.S. Nahant, which was then able to pull the besieged Lehigh from the rocks. All five saved the USS Lehigh from certain destruction and were awarded the Medal of Honor
