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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Charles Asten
Born: September 14, 1834 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Died: September 14, 1885 (age 51) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Buried: Saint Francis Cemetery in Providence County, Rhode Island.
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (UnionNavy)
Served on the gunboat USS Signal
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Quarter Gunner
Battles / Wars:
•Red River Campaign
Action: Born Michael Charles Asten, he served under his
middle name[1] . His official citation reads: ""Served on board
the U.S.S. Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864. Proceeding up the
Red River, the U.S.S. Signal engaged a large force of enemy
field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the
Federal ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag
was raised. Although on the sick list, Q.G. Asten courageously
carried out his duties during the entire engagement.".[2]For this
action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] Smith, Myron J. (2009). Tinclads in the Civil War: Union Light‐Draught Gunboat Operations on Western Waters, 1862‐
1865. McFarland. p. 221. ISBN 978‐0‐7864‐3579‐1.
[2] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients ‐ (A‐L)". U.S. Army Center of Military History. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Frank Bois (or Boise)
Born: September 13, 1841 in Quebec, Canada
Died: January 25, 1920 (aged 78) in Orting, Washington
Buried: Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Seattle, Washington
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Armed Forces (Union)
Years of Service: 1861 -1862 US Army
Years of Service: 1862 -1863 US Navy
Rank: Private - US Army
Rank: Quartermaster - US Navy
Battles /•Siege of Vicksburg
Action: His official citation reads: "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.".[1][2]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A–L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 20 September 2013.
[2] "Bois, Frank". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: John Harties Brown
Born: 1834 in New Brunswick, Canada
Died: January 30, 1905 (aged 71), location unknown
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
12th Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company "D"
Years of Service: 1861 -1865
Rank: Captain
Battles / Wars:
• Second Battle of Franklin
Action: During the Second Battle of Franklin in Tennessee on
30 November 1864, he took a Confederate Flag for which he
was honored with the award on 13 February 1865. His official
citation reads: "Capture of flag".[1]For this action, he was
awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 5 October 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Denis (or Dennis) Buckley
Born: 1844 in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Died: July 20, 1864 (aged 20) Georgia
Buried: Marietta National Cemetery
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
136th New York Infantry, Company "G"
Years of Service: August 1862 - July 1864
Rank: Private
Battles / Wars: Battle of Peachtree Creek
Of notable interest: The General Order awarding Denis Buckley his
Medal of Honor was delivered in person by the President to Denis'
Mother, and was dated on 7 April 1865. [1]
Action: His story is a strange one. It is brought to us by an
American historian, John DuBois, whose great grandfather
fought with the 136th. He discovered the marker was
incorrectly named and succeeded in having a new one made,
properly named and with the citation mention. A memorial was
also organized in 2007 to honor this fallen hero.
"While advancing on the enemy Denis used the butt of his rifle
to clobber a Confederate officer who was carrying the flag of
the 31st Miss. Infantry. The officer went down and Denis
grabbed the flag, dropping his weapon at the same time. (It
took two hands to handle the 9 ft. long shaft of the flag).
Turning his back on the enemy and waving the flag at his
comrades he encouraged them with screams that they can keep
on coming, and that EVERY BULLET IS WORTH A
COW." Those were Denis' last words. An enemy bullet struck
the flagpole, bounced off and hit this Canadian soldier in the
forehead killing him instantly.". [1] His official citation reads:
"Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (Confederate States of
America).".[2]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/, Bart Armstrong, C.D.
[2] "Civil War (A–L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 8 December 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Ovila "Frenchy" Cayer
Born: February 9th, 1844 in Saint-Rémi, Québec, Canada
Died: February 7, 1909 (aged 64) in Salinas, California
Buried: Garden of Memories Memorial Park, Salinas, Ca
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
14th Infantry Regiment
Years of Service: 1861 to 1867
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars:
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Battle of the Wilderness
• Battle of Globe Tavern
Action: On August 19, 1864, Cayer participated in the Battle of
Globe Tavern near Petersburg, Virginia. After assaulting and
capturing a railroad junction used by the Confederates to
supply the besieged city of Petersburg, his unit prepared for an
expected counterattack. When the attack came, all of the
officers in Company A were killed or wounded. Cayer took
command of the company and led it in the successful defense
of their position.[1] For these actions, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor three years later, on February 15, 1867. His
official Medal of Honor citation reads simply: "Commanded
the regiment, all the officers being disabled.[2]
[1] Albanese, Jim (September 7, 2009). "The Wayback Machine: Frenchy Cayer was a Civil War hero". The Salinas Californian. Retrieved 2009‐09‐21
[2] "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009‐09‐15.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Louis Georges Chaput
Born: 1845 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: April 17, 1916 (aged 70–71), location unknown
Buried: Cimetière Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cemetery) in Montreal
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)
Served on the USS Lackawanna
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Landsman
Battles / Wars:
•Battle of Mobile Bay
Action: His official citation reads: "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.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 26, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Robert J. Coffey
Born: December 15, 1842 in St. John, New Brunswick
Died: July 9, 1901 (aged 58) Montpelier, Vermont
Buried: Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier, VT
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
4th Vermont Infantry Regiment, Company "K"
Years of Service: 1861 to 1864
Rank: Major
Battles / Wars:
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Siege of Yorktown
• Battle of Funktown
• Battle of Salem Church
• Battle of Antietam
Action: On 4 May 1863, as a Sergeant, he performed an act of
bravery during the Battle of Salem Church, for which he earned
a Medal of Honor. His official Medal of Honor citation reads
simply: "Single-handedly captured 2 officers and 5 privates of
the 8th Louisiana Regiment (Confederate States of
America).[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor 29 years later, on May 13, 1892.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 28 October 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Robert Fulton Dodd
Born: December 31, 1844 in Galt, Ontario, Canada
Died: September 14, 1903 (aged 58) in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Buried: Hillside Cemetery, Manitoba
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
Stanton Guards Michigan Infantry Regiment
27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Years of Service: May 4th 1862 - Sept. 25th 1862 (Stanton Guards)
Years of Service: Feb 25th 1863 - July 30th 1865 (27th)
Rank: Private
Battles / Wars: •Battle of Vicksburg
•Battle of the Wilderness
•Battle of Spotsylvania
•Battle of Bethesda Church
•Battle of Petersburg / Battle of the Crater
Battle of the Crater: Advancing painstakingly over open terrain,
the Yankees decided to dig a 150 Ft. long tunnel in which they
placed 8,000 pounds of explosives at both ends, which they
detonated, taking much of the enemy fort above. Thousands
died, not only from explosions, but especially after Yankees
rushed into the pit without thinking. Once in, they were
trapped against the crater walls. The Rebs poured fire on them
and it became a horrible slaughter; what they called a "turkey
shoot". The Yankees being the turkeys. Many Canadians
fought in this battle.
Action: His official citation reads: "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.".[1]For this
action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 16 November 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Edward Edwin Dodds
Born: 1845 in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada
Died: January 12, 1901 (aged 55-56), location unknown
Buried: Canton Cemetery in Canton, Ontario, Canada
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
21st New York Cavalry, Company "C"
Years of Service: July 1863 - July 1865 (Discharged with disability)
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars:
•Battle of Ashbys Gap in Virginia on 19 July 1864
Action: His official citation reads: "At great personal risk
rescued his wounded captain and carried him from the field to
a place of safety.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal
of Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 16 November 2013.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Thomas Fitzpatrick
Born: 1837, Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location Unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)
Served on the USS Hartford
Years of Service: 1861 - 1864
Rank: Coxswain
Battles / Wars:
•Battle of Mobile Bay
Action: His official citation reads: "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.".[1]For this action,
he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 26, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: William Garvin
Born: 1835, Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location Unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)
Served on the USS Agawam
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Captain of the Forecastle
Battles / Wars:
•First Battle of Fort Fisher
Of notable interest: Another Canadian, John Neil, was also on the
Agawam and was also awarded the MOH during the same battle!
Action: His official citation reads: "The President of the United
States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in
presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Forecastle
William Garvin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism
in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Agawam, as one of
a volunteer crew of a powder boat which was exploded near
Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 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 two hours later the explosion
took place, and the following day fires were observed still
burning at the fort.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 26, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: John Curtis Gilmore
Born: April 18, 1837 in Canada
Died: December 22, 1922, location unknown
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
16th New York Infantry Regiment
Years of Service: 1861 - 1863, 1865 - 1901
Rank: Brigadier General
Battles / Wars:
•Second Battle of Fredericksburg
Action: His official citation reads: "The President of the United
States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in
presenting the Medal of Honor to Major John Curtis Gilmore,
United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 3 May 1863,
while serving with 16th New York Infantry, in action at Salem
Heights, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Major Gilmore seized the
colors of his regiment and gallantly rallied his men under a very
severe fire.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (A–L)". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 26, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Asel Hagerty
Born: June 30 1837 in Canada
Died: March 30 1919 (age 81) in Defiance, Ohio USA
Buried: Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, Ohio USA
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
61st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Years of Service: 1864-1865
Rank: Private
Battles / Wars: •Battle of Sayler's Creek
Action: Asel Hagerty's name has been spelt different ways as
seen on his tombstone but "Asel" was the name he signed up
with. Althought his official citation only reads: ""Capture of
flag."[2], Asel didn't capture any flag, already quite a feat in
itself. The flag he captured on April 6th, 1865 was none other
than the flag of the 4th North Carolina Infantry (pictured
above), a Confederate unit with a distinguished service record.
It was one of the last but proud remnants of the Army of North
Virginia to fire the final shots at Appomattox where Lee
surrendered his army on April 9th of the same year. For this
action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/542/hagerty‐asel.php
* http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/sunday‐evenings‐blogs/previous/31
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Thomas J. Higgins
Born: June 8, 1831 in Huntingdon, Quebec, Canada
Died: August 15, 1917 (aged 86) Hannibal, Missouri
Buried: Holy Family Cemetery Hannibal, Missouri
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
99th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Years of Service: 1862-1865
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars: • Siege of Vicksburg
Action: Although the action took place on May 22nd, 1863, Thomas J.
Higgins was only awarded his CMOH on April 1st, 1898. [1] His
official citation reads: "When his regiment fell back in the assault,
repulsed, this soldier continued to advance and planted the flag on the
parapet, where he was captured by the enemy.".[2] For this action, he
was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=3011
[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/615/higgins‐thomas‐j.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: George L. Houghton
Born: August 28, 1841 in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia
Died: February 25, 1917 (aged 75), location unknown
Buried: Orting, Washington
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company "D"
Years of Service: 1862 -1865
Rank: Private
Battles / Wars:
• No record found
Action: Houghton's medal was won for his actions at Elk River,
Tennessee, where he led a party that saved a bridge, on July 2,
1863. He was honored with the award on March 27, 1900.[1].
His official citation reads: "Voluntarily joined a small party that,
under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the
bridge.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 5 October 2013.
[2] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/653/houghton‐george‐l.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: James McIntosh
Born: November 17, 1829 in Canada
Died: May 28, 1908 (age 78) in Kearny, New Jersey
Buried: Arlington Memorial Park, Kearny, New Jersey
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)
Served on the USS Richmond
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Captain of the Top
Battles / Wars:
• Battle of Mobile Bay
Action: His official citation reads: "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.".[1] For this
action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/906/mcveane‐john‐p.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Martin T. McMahon
Born: March 21, 1838 in La Prairie, Quebec, Canada
Died: April 21, 1906 (aged 68) New York City, New York
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
Army of the Potomac / Adjutant General's Corps
Years of Service: 1861 - 1866
Rank: Brevet Major General
Battles / Wars:
•Battle of White Oak Swamp
Of notable interest:
General McMahon served
as US Minister to
Paraguay in 1869, where
he showed great interest
towards Paraguay’s
needs during the Triple
Alliance War.
Action: Decades after the end of the conflict, in 1891, he was
awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of
White Oak Swamp on June 30, 1862. His official citation
reads: "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.".[1]For this action, he was
awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (M‐Z)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. July 16, 2007. Retrieved 2008‐05‐01.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: John P. McVean
Born: 1843 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died: May 10, 1864 (aged 20 or 21) in Virginia
Buried: Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
49th New York Infantry, Company "D"
Years of Service: 1862 -1865
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Battles / Wars:
• Battle of Chancellorsville
• Battle of the Wilderness
Action: In May, 1863 as a corporal, he captured the flag from a
Confederate Color bearer at Fredericksburg Heights.[1] A year
later, he was killed as a 2nd Lieutenant at the Battle of the
Wilderness. He was posthumously honored with the award on
September 21, 1870.[2]. His official citation reads: "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.".[3] For this
action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "Civil War (A‐L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 5 October 2013.
[2] "Civil War (M‐P) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved June 8, 2014.
[3] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/906/mcveane‐john‐p.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: James T. Murphy
Born: 1839 in Canada
Died: January 11, 1904 (age of 65), location unknown
Buried: St. Bernard's Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
1st Connecticut Artillery, Company "L"
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars: • Battle of Fort Stedman, a.k.a., Battle of Hare's Hill
Action: Private James T. Murphy was one of four soldiers who earned
the Medal of Honor in action at Petersburg, Virginia, on March 25,
1865. An important piece of artillery was silenced by the enemy during
the battle, but Private Murphy voluntarily went to the gun to assist in
putting it in operation, and continued to fire this gun at the enemy
throughout the engagement.[1] His official citation reads: "A piece of
artillery having been silenced by the enemy, this soldier voluntarily
assisted in working the piece, conducting himself throughout the
engagement in a gallant and fearless manner.".[2] For this action, he was
awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/states/pages_go/murphy_james_ct.html
[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/969/murphy‐james‐t.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: John Neil
Born: 1837, Newfoundland, Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location Unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union)
Served on the USS Agawam
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Quarter Gunner
Battles / Wars:
•First Battle of Fort Fisher
Of notable interest: Another Canadian,William Garvin, was also on
the Agawam and was also awarded the MOH during the same battle!
Action: His official citation reads: "Neil 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 forts.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor.
[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/982/neil‐john.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Albert O'Connor
Born: July 15, 1843 in East Hereford, Quebec, Canada
Died: April 3, 1928 (aged 84) Orting, Washington
Buried: Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery, Orting, Washington
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company "A"
Years of Service: 1861-1865
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars: • Unknown
Action: "...…At age 17, he joined the Union army and would go on to
fight in 30 different battles. He won his award after he rescued a Union
officer who was being held by nine Confederates. During the hand to
hand combat he captured thee of the enemy, a stand of enemy colors
(flags) and dispersed the remainder.… ."[1].
His official citation reads: "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.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/graves‐memorials‐and‐medals.html
[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1006/o‐connor‐albert.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Joachim Pease
Born: 1842 in Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)
Served on the USS Kearsarge
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Seaman
Battles / Wars: Destruction of the CSS Alabama
Action: Joachim Pease enlisted in the Navy in New York City
and served onboard USS Kearsarge during the US Civil War.
On June 19, 1864, off the coast of Cherbourg, France,
Kearsarge battled the Rebel sloop-of-war CSS Alabama, the
infamous Confederate raider. His official citation reads: "Served
as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed
the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as
loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease
exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly
recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under
fire.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] "PEASE, JOACHIM, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient". American Civil War website. 2007‐11‐08. Retrieved 2007‐11‐08.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: William R. Pelham
Born: December 8, 1847 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Died: March 30, 1933 (aged 85) in Brooklyn, New York
Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)
Served on the USS Hartford
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Landsman
Battles / Wars: •Battle of Mobile Bay
Action: Just like Thomas Fitzpatrick, another Canadian
CMOH winner spoken of earlier, William R. Pelham also
served on the USS Hartford and won his award during the
same battle! His official citation reads: "On board the flagship
U.S.S. Hartford during successful actions against Fort Morgan,
rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August
1864. When the other members of his guncrew were killed or
wounded under the enemy's terrific shellfire, Pelham calmly
assisted the casualties below and voluntarily returned and took
his place at an adjoining gun where another man had been
struck down. He continued to fight his gun throughout the
remainder of the battle which resulted in the capture of the
Tennessee.".[1] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1048/pelham‐william.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Alonzo H. Pickle
Born: July 2, 1843 in Farnham, Quebec, Canada
Died: May 24, 1925 Sleepy Eye Brown County, Minnesota
Buried: Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye Brown County, MN
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
1st Battalion, Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company "B"
Years of Service: Discharged 1865
Rank: Sergeant
Battles / Wars:
• Second Battle of Deep Bottom
Action: At the Second Battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia on
August 14, 1864, he rescued a wounded officer from the line of
fire. His official Medal of Honor citation reads simply: "At the
risk of his life, voluntarily went to the assistance of a wounded
officer lying close to the enemy's lines and, under fire, carried
him to a place of safety.".[1]For this action, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor.
[1] Biography by Don Morfe.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Wesley J. Powers
Born: October 26, 1845 in Orono, Ontario, Canada
Died: December 14, 1902 (age 57), location unknown
Buried: North Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
147th Illinois Infantry, Company "F"
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: Corporal
Battles / Wars: • Oostanaula River, Georgia
Action: On April 3rd, 1865, Wesley's unit was on one side of the deep
river, and the Confederates were on the other, with no way to cross it.
When the Union troops discovered that there was a ferry hidden from
view, but moored on the enemy side Wesley volunteered to swim
across and float it over so his regiment could board and make the
crossing. Approval was given and into the water he went. The
Confederates soon saw this and gave him quite a heavy load of lead but
missed their mark. Successfully getting to the ferry he only then came to
realize it was far too big a job for one man, so he took a smaller skiff
also found and while still under heavy fire managed to cross with it. He
then got some of his fellow soldiers onboard, and made a third crossing,
even though still under heavy fire and boarded the ferry and brought
her back to their regiment. Now able to cross, the overall battle turned
in favour of the Union. And the credit belonged to Wesley. His own
Commanding Officer read a letter of thanks to him, in front of the
whole regiment, acknowledging his volunteering, bravery and
persistence in securing the ferry and turning the battle around.[1] His
official citation reads: "Voluntarily swam the river under heavy fire and
secured a ferryboat, by means of which the command crossed.".[2] For
this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://www.canadianmedalofhonor.com/sunday‐evenings‐blogs/archives/05‐2013/3
[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1086/powers‐wesley‐j.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Carlos H. Rich
Born: February 11, 1841 in Canada
Died: May 29, 1918 (age 76) location unknown
Buried: Roxbury, Vermont
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union)
4th Vermont Infantry, Company "K"
Years of Service: Unknown
Rank: 1st Sergeant
Battles / Wars:
• Battle of the Wilderness
Action: Carlos H. Rich served in the same unit as Robert J.
Coffey discussed earlier, and both Medal of Honor winners
were in the same company! For his part, Carlos saved
Lieutenant Edward W. Carter at the Battle of the Wilderness.
Although his citation for this act of valor is short and sweet, the
Battle of the Wilderness was not. It was a storm of fire and steel
that took the lives of 28,699 men in three days. In this inferno
because the fighting had set the trees ablaze, "Carlos went out
bravely to retrieve the injured lieutenant and found he was so
badly hurt, he didn’t want to carry him and injure him further.
Rich went back behind his own line and found Lieut. Albert A.
Carter, the brother of the injured man. Carter and Rich then
dragged the man back to safety.".[1] His official citation reads:
"Saved the life of an officer.".[2] For this action, he was
awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1] http://www.nnyacgs.com/files/rich_carlos_p.pdf
[2] http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1130/rich‐carlos‐h.php.
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: Alexander Scott
Born: August 19, 1844 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: May 27, 1923 (aged 78) in Washington, D.C.
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Army (Union Army)
10th Vermont Infantry Regiment, Company "D"
Years of Service: August 2nd 1862 - July 3rd 1865
Rank: Corporal
Battles / Wars:
•Battle of Monocacy
•Battle of Cedar Creek
Action: On October 19, 1864 Scott was severely wounded in
the right thigh by a musket ball at Cedar Creek, Virginia. After
recovering he rejoined his regiment on the march to Danville,
Virginia in April 1865. He returned with his regiment to
Burlington, VT and was discharged July 3, 1865. His
commanding officer Major Lydon, in recommending him for
the Medal of Honor, stated, "during all the above period with
the Color Guard, Corporal Scott refused promotion for the
honor of remaining in that important and hazardous
service".[1]For this action, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor.
[1] Haynes, Edward Mortimer (1894). A History of the Tenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers (2d ed., rev., enl. and embellished by over sixty engravings and ... maps and charts of batterfields ed.). The Tuttle company, printers. pp. 436–437. OCLC 3435378
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: John Shivers
Born: 1830 in Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Marine Corps (Union)
Served on the USS Minnesota
Years of Service: 1864-1865
Rank: Private
Battles / Wars:
• Second Battle of Fort Fisher
Action: On January 15, 1865 the Confederate stronghold of
Fort Fisher in North Carolina was taken by a combined Union
storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the
command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred
Terry. Shivers was one of nine crewmen from the USS
Minnesota who received the Medal of Honor for their actions
during this battle. His official citation reads: "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.".[1]
For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1239/shivers‐john.php
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GBM Fact Sheet
US Civil War (April 12th 1861 to May 9th, 1865)
Canadian Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Name: James Stoddard
Born: 1838 in Port Robinson, Ontario, Canada
Died: Date and location unknown
Buried: Location unknown
Allegiance: United States of America
Service / Branch: United States Navy (Union Navy)
Served on the USS Marmora
Years of Service: 1863-1865
Rank: Acting Master's Mate
Battles / Wars: • Engagement of Yazoo City, Mississippi
Of Notable Interest: In 1944, the destroyer USS Stoddard (DD‐566) was named in his honor!
Action: "...…At this time the fighting in the city was hand to hand. The
gun was placed in position in the street and did good service, helping
very much toward winning the day. The crew at one time was driven
from the gun, they did not have sufficient support to hold it, but the
soldiers seeing the crew driven, rallied, charged on the rebels and
retook it, losing three men in the charge, and wounding James Stoddard
of the Marmora…I am proud to say that the Navy was well represented
by 3 sailors, who nobly stood by their guns through the whole action,
fighting hand to hand to save the gun and the reputation of the Navy.
The sailors are highly spoken of by the army officials for their gallant
conduct. Their names are…James Stoddard of the Marmora. I would
recommend them for your consideration." A more detailed report by
the Commanding Officer USS Marmora indicates that while the gun
was severely damaged during the attack, "to the bravery of that guns
crew may be attributed the change of fortune of the day…I would most
respectfully solicit in their behalf that you would confer a medal of
honor on the following men:… James Stoddard, seaman, shot through
the neck, slowly recovering…"[1] His official citation reads: "Off Yazoo
City, Miss., 5 March 1864. Embarking from the Marmora with a 12pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Stoddard landed with the
gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his
gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer,
contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce
engagement.".[2] For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
[1]http://www.ussstoddard.org/history_jstoddard.html
[2]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient‐detail/1310/stoddard‐james.php
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