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A Brief History

Note: The Medal of Honor information is from the U.S. Army’s Web page. I edited out the non-New Jersey Regiments, though there are many honorable deeds done by many other men in the military forces engaged during the Civil War, unfortunately they do not apply here.

The individual accounts that I was able to locate derived from: "Deeds of Valor: How America’s Civil War Heroes Won The Medal of Honor". Edited by W.F. Beyer and O.F. Keydel. Longmeadow Press: 1992; 558 page’s. Illustrated. ISBN: 0-681-41567-3

General George Washington established the first formal system for rewarding acts of individual gallantry by the nation’s fighting men on August 7, 1782. Designed to recognize "any singularly meritorious action," the award consisted of a purple cloth heart. Records show that only three persons received the ward: Sergeant Elijah Churchill, Sergeant William Brown, and Sergeant Daniel Bissel Jr.

The Badge of Military Merit, as it was called, fell into oblivion until 1932, when General Douglas MacArthur, then Army Chief of Staff, pressed for its revival. Officially re-instituted on February 22, 1932, the now familiar Purple Heart was at first an Army award, given to those who had been wounded in World War I or who possessed a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate. In 1943, the order was amended to include personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Coverage was eventually extended to include all services and "any civilian national" wounded while serving with the Armed Forces.

Although the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained through the early 1800s. In 1847, after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, a "certificate of merit" was established for any soldier who distinguished himself in action. No medal went with the honor. After the Mexican-American War, the award was discontinued, which meant there was no military award with which to recognize the nation's fighting men.

Early in the Civil War, a medal for individual valor was proposed to General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott. But Scott felt medals smacked of European affectation and killed the idea.

The medal found support in the Navy, however, where it was felt recognition of courage in strife was needed. President Abraham Lincoln signed public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy medal of valor, into law on December 21, 1861. The medal was "to be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen, and Marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry and other seamanlike qualities during the present war."

Shortly after this, a resolution similar in wording was introduced on behalf of the Army. Signed into law July 12, 1862, the measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities, during the present insurrection."

Although it was created for the Civil War, Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863.

Almost 3,400 men and one woman have received the award for heroic actions in the nation's battles since that time.

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* Quoted from "Armed Forces Decorations and Awards," a publication of the American Forces Information Service.

There has been 1 woman to receive the Medal, Dr. Mary Walker. While assigned as an Asst. Surgeon during the Civil War. Her Medal was rescinded in 1916 when the Army purged it's files to cut down on what they thought were "unwarranted" issues. It was re-instated in 1976.

TYPES OF MEDALS

The Navy medal was the first to be struck, followed quickly by the Army version of this award. There are three different types of Medals of Honor today: the original simple star shape established in 1861 which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, designed in 1963 and adopted in 1965.

 

MEDAL OF HONOR BREAKDOWN

(By War and Service as of 13 May 1997)

 

New Jersey’s Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (Beech – Young)

*Note: Although Mary E. Walker, who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, did not serve from New Jersey, I thought that her major contribution to history, during a time when women had few rights (equal rights), should be noted as a historical fact for both Military and Women’s history. Mary E. Walker was put into a position where the stress in a life and death situation brings out the hero in the most unlikely people. My words cannot qualify why she deserves this award. However, President Lincoln put it best when the recommendation came to him for her to receive the Medal. Please, if you do not read anything else, please read about Dr. Mary E. Walker. Truly an amazing woman for what she did when in the field and in a Confederate prison with total disregard for her own health.

BEECH, JOHN P.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 4th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania Courthouse, Va., 12 May 1864. Entered service at: Trenton, N.J. Born: 1 May 1844, England. Date of issue: 5 June 1894. Citation: Voluntarily assisted in working the guns of a battery, all the members of which had been killed or wounded.

John P. Beech. Sergeant, Co. B, 4^th New Jersey Infantry. Born at Derbyshire, England, May 1, 1844.

"On the 12^th of May, during the battle of Spottsylvania," says Sergeant John P. Beech of Company B, Fourth New Jersey Infantry, "General Upton ordered a battery of artillery to take a position on his right to sweep the large open field in front of the ‘Blood Angle’. Lieutenant Metcalf’s Section of Battery C, Fifth U.S. Artillery, immediately advanced into position, but, the enemy’s fire was so heavy the men and horses fell like leaves in autumn."

"Both our regiment and the rebels on our left were now advancing toward the clearing in front of the ‘Angle,’ the objective point for each being Metcalf’s unlucky section. Upon seeing the critical position they were in and that all the men except Lieutenant Metcalf and Sergeant Lines had been killed or wounded, I laid down my musket and volunteered to go and help work the gun. I received permission to go, and upon reaching it proceeded to serve ammunition. We had but four charges of canister left, when a Mississippi regiment came charging down upon us, but we worked that gun as fast as it was possible for three men to work it. The rebels came to within 100 feet of us, and after giving them our four charges of canister we followed that up with spherical case and shell, until our ammunition was exhausted, when Lieutenant Metcalf ordered up the limber, but as it was coming forward the horses were shot down. A well-directed fire from the infantry behind a crest prevented the Mississippi’s regiment’s farther advance, and for eighteen hours the fight continued at this point. In the meantime a body of our regiment finally got the piece off the field, leaving the limber there until the next day."

BRANT, WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Company B, 1st New Jersey Veteran Battalion. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 3 April 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: Elizabeth, N.J. Date of issue: 10 May 1865. Citation: Capture of battle flag of 46th North Carolina (C.S.A.).

CLANCY, JAMES T.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Vaughn Road, Va., 1 October 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Albany, N.Y. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Shot the Confederate Gen. Dunovant dead during a charge, thus confusing the enemy and greatly aiding in his repulse.

CONNER, RICHARD

Rank and organization. Private, Company F, 6th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Bull Run, Va., 30 August 1862. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 17 September 1897. Citation: The flag of his regiment having been abandoned during retreat, he voluntarily returned with a single companion under a heavy fire and secured and brought off the flag, his companion being killed.

CUMMINGS, AMOS J.

Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 26th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Salem Heights, Va., 4 May 1863. Entered service at: Irvington, N.J. Born: 15 May 1841, Conklin, N.Y. Date of issue. 28 March 1894. Citation: Rendered great assistance in the heat of the action in rescuing a part of the field batteries from an extremely dangerous and exposed position.

Amos J. Cummings. Sergeant-Major, 26^th New Jersey Volunteers. Born Conklin, N.Y. , May 15^th, 1841.

The Twenty-sixth New Jersey Infantry, of which Amos J. Cummings was sergeant-major, was part of General Sedgwick’s Corps, which was heavily engaged in the ever memorable struggles between Federal and Confederate forces around Chancellorsville. The culmination of the engagements and maneuverings came with the battle of Salem Church on May 4, 1864, Generals Early, Andersen and McLaws had left Lee’s Army at Chancellorsville to drive General Sedgwick’s troops into the river. The conflict, which followed, was most obstinate, and lasted all day. Though largely outnumbered, the Northerns bravely repulsed each assault until darkness fell, when they were forced to yield to the superior strength of the enemy, and retreated, in good order, across the Rappahannock. Up to midnight the armies wrestled for supremacy. Both sides displayed bravery and daring, and many were the deeds of heroism performed by friend and foe. The Union soldiers especially were conspicuous for their gallantry. Some incidents occurred which give one a clear conception of the fierceness of the fighting and the heroism of the fighters. In this connection Sergeant-Major Cummings, who earned his medal on that memorable day, furnishes an inspiring narrative in the following:

"At sundown on this fourth of May, the Twentieth-sixth New Jersey, Second Division, lay in line of battle in a depression along a ditch dug by a farmer to drain his land. The regular battery occupying a slight elevation in our rear supported us. Our position was about three-fourths of a mile north of Salem Church."

"The Confederates massed and came down on us five lines deep. As they advanced I could hear the office in charge of the battery behind us giving his commands. He was gauging his fuses by the advance of the enemy."

"’A second and a half’ he shouted."

"’Blim! Blim!’ responded his guns.

"’A second and a quarter!’ he cried."

"’Blim! Blim! Blim’ was the reply."

"’A full second!’ he roared."

"’Blim! Blim! Blim!’ answered the guns.

"’Three-quarters of a second!’ came next."

"’Blim! Blim! Blim!’"

"The shrieking of the shells as they swept over our head was quite appalling. Suddenly, right in front, there was a flash all along the line. The Confederates were within thirty yards of us and had commenced firing. The rebel yell was still heard, but the column had lost its impetus. As the yell died away our lieutenant-colonel shouted : "’ten-tion!’"

"The order was heard by every man of the regiment. In a second everybody was on his feet. The colonel continued: ‘Right about face!’"

"The regiment obeyed the orders as if on parade."

"Then came, probably, the most singular command ever heard on a battle-field."

"’Regiment, left half wheel!’"

"The left wing of the regiment on our right had swung back, doing so to take advantage of the natural depression of the field and thus had left a gap between its left and our right."

"Our colonel saw the opening and realized that by left half wheeling he could again cement his line. Hence his singular command. But, when our regiment tried to obey the order, beginning the movement steadily and in perfect form, the result was disastrous. Suddenly there was a waver, then a break and then a rush for the river."

"A few brave men remained, but only a moment, when they began to swear and to coolly walk after their fugitive comrades trying by shouts and curses to rally them. A lieutenant of the battery confronted the demoralized men. He stood straight as an arrow with drawn sword. All of his guns had disappeared but one. It stood unmanned, subject to capture. His amazement knew no bounds. Our men had been acting like veterans and were now running over him like frightened deer. His oaths were terrific. He called them all the names in the vocabulary of indignation. There was a score of our regiment, however, who did not lose their heads.

"’Let us save the gun!’ I shouted, at the same time seizing it by a wheel. The enemy were making for the gap, but four of my comrades were with me around the gun. On came the Southerners and our little group was increased by the coming of a few more of our men."

"The piece began to move backward in answer to our efforts, but suddenly there was a change of scene."

"The enemy had passed through the gap and were upon us. They were holding our bun by the muzzle and then muskets were clubbed, bayonets were used. If the combatants had been had been personal enemies for years, the cursing and reviling could not have been more bitter. On both sides the wounded fell, uttering oaths and imprecations, but without groans."

"Enough of our men had rallied to the cannon to keep it moving until a Vermont regiment in the woods on our left, a regiment which had stood firm through all, was able to bring an enfilading fire to bear, when the Confederates were quickly dispersed."

"The gun was saved, the metal won."

DAVIS, JOHN

Rank and organization: Quarter Gunner, U.S. Navy. Born: Cedarville, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 11, 3 April 1863. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City, N.C., on 10 February 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the screen on the berth deck, several powder division-protecting bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, Davis courageously covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire.

DRAKE, JAMES M.

Rank and organization: 2d Lieutenant, Company D, 9th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Bermuda Hundred, Va., 6 May 1864. Entered service at: Elizabeth, N.J. Birth: Union County, N.J. Date of issue: 3 March 1873. Citation: Commanded the skirmish line in the advance and held his position all day and during the night.

Captain James Madison Drake, of Company K, Ninth New Jersey Infantry, had the honor of being the first man to unfurl the Union flag on the Confederate soil, and was the first to enter the enemy’s works at Newbern, North Carolina. He commanded the Union advance from Bermuda to Point of Rocks, Virginia, May 6, 1864, and at Drewry’s Bluff, May 16^th, drove the enemy with his works. It was at this last engagement that he was taken prisoner. The story of his escape from captivity reads like a romance:

"I passed a fortnight in Libby Prison," Captain Drake says, "and was transferred to Macon and then to Savannah. I was constantly devising plans for regaining my liberty, and with other prisoners spent weeks of toil in constructing tunnels for escape. Though frequently baffled by treachery in promising enterprises for regaining freedom, I never ceased to cherished the hope of escape. The prospect was gloomy indeed. Confined in fetid strongholds, and surrounded by sleepless sentinels, the boldest at times were ready to despair. But even the of the Charleston jail-yard did not discourage me from seeking a favorable means of escape. Our life in Charleston was not by any means without incident and excitement. Only the day after our arrival at the jail-yard shells from our batteries on Morris Island fired a dozen buildings near the jail, entirely destroying them. Frequently we were in danger form fragments of exploding shells from the Union batteries on the harbor islands."

"The Confederacy was now in danger of an overwhelming disaster. Sherman was prepared to pursue his triumphant march from the mountains to the sea, and the Southerners adopted desperate measures. Among other precautions taken was the transfer of several hundred Union captive officers to Columbia, where it was believed they could be securely guarded. The proposed change was hailed as an excellent opportunity fro escape, and four of us, Captain Harry H. Todd, Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, Captain J. E. Lewis, Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, Captain Albert Grant, Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, and myself, resolved to take our lives in our hands and leap from the train."

"The train reached the southern end of the long, rickety bridge over the Congaree River shortly before dark. During the afternoon I had succeeded in removing the percussion caps from the rifles held by the sergeant and six privates who guarded our car, and as the box-car in which we were riding crossed the bridge my three chosen comrade and I leaped from the rapidly moving train. Fortunately none of use was injured."

"The train came to a stop a mile or so away, and men and dogs started after us. We sought refuge in a heavy cypress swamp, in order to baffle the bloodhounds, which were on our trail within an hour. We remained in the swamp all through that dreary, rainy night and next day. At sunset we started on our way, and for days wandered on through the woods, living on corn from the fields, berries and grapes. We were weak and faint from hunger and exhaustion. Our only solace was the kindness of some darkies whom we came upon one day working in the fields, and who provided us with food and shelter in their cabins, treating us as their friends and benefactors."

"Crossing the Catawba River, we ran across some deserters from the Confederate Army, men who, impressed or driven into service, had escaped, and now defied the whole power of the Confederate Government. In Caldwell County we met hundreds of the class of persons. They were associated with another class called ‘lyers out,’ who had long lived in caves and other retreats on the mountains, resisting the conscription. Although but poorly armed with old Kentucky rifles and squirrel guns, they managed to keep at bay all forces sent against them."

"We lived with these men in their caves for several days, and persuaded a hundred or more to accompany us to Knoxville, Tenn., the nearest point to the Union lines, promising to use our influences in procuring them arms, ammunition, clothing, ect."

"We had a narrow escape from guerrillas at Crab Orchard, Tenn., and evaded them only by making a wide detour to Bull Gap, at the foot of the beautiful Cumberland Valley. The rebels, Keith and Palmer, with their bands of irregulars, got upon our train on Higgins’ Ridge, and came within an ace of gobbling us as we were climbing Big Butt Mountain, from the summit of which we beheld the valley, the promised land. ‘Only fifteen miles from the foot of this hill,’ said my friend Bill Estes, a refugee from North Carolina, ‘and we shall be safe.’ That exclamation urged me to renewed vigor."

"I had almost given up hope of reaching our lines, my feet being in terrible condition. Suddenly unmistakable roaring of artillery and musketry in the valley halted our whole party, and looking toward the gap we saw the smoke rising from a battle in progress. The fight came to a sudden termination at nightfall, and we ascertained that Breckenridge had defeated General Gillem at Blue Lick Springs, the Union men being in full retreat upon Knoxville. Just at this moment a mountaineer, breathless with excitement, came up, declaring that the guerrillas were hot on your trail. We lost no time in seeking cover in a ravine between two mountains where, we flattered ourselves, there would be comparative safety. Captain Todd and Grant, with a mountaineer, went down to a hamlet to obtain rations and to procure for me a pair of shoes, or some covering for my feet, for I was suffering greatly."

 

ENGLISH, EDMUND

Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company C, Second New Jersey Infantry, Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. Captured flag of Eighteenth North Carolina Infantry.

Heroism is a virtue under any circumstance, but to be heroic on the hour of reverse and disaster is the noblest kind of valor. During the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, two Union soldiers furnished examples of bravery, which belongs to this latter category. They are First Sergeant Edmund English, of Company C, Second New Jersey Infantry, and Sergeant Leopold Karpeles, of Company E, Fifty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry. Both accomplished the most unexpected and truly extraordinary results the at the most critical time of the battle, when the disintegration of the Union forces had set in, demoralization prevailed and the Federals were fleeing in wild disorder. During this mad rush for the rear the Second New Jersey, along with other regiments, had been ordered to fall back. The command aroused Sergeants English’s indignation. "Is there nobody to make a stand?" He exclaimed. "This is disgraceful!"

He decided to act on his own responsibility, even though it be insubordination. Quickly he seized the colors of his regiment, place dhimself in from of the men, waved the colors high in the air and shouted: "Here, boys! At least a few of us should stem the tide!"

His bravery was infectious; the men caught his spirit and one by one rallied around the flag, till at last quite a little band was gathered about the sergeant. They did not only "stem the tide," but repulsed and drove the Confederates back in wild confusion.

While this was taking place at one point of the line of battle. Sergeant Karpeles’s similar conduct brought about a similar result in another place. He was the color-sergeant of his regiment and keenly felt the humiliation of soldiers deserting their colors.

"Our troops were rushing wildly to the rear," the brave sergeant narrates. "In vain did our colonel take a stand and call the boys to rally. I joined our colonel, waved the flag and likewise called on my comrades to halt and form on us. We held our position until we had gathered a sufficient forced to make a charge. Presently the colonel commanded: ‘Forward,’ and he and I dashed ahead, I waving our flag high in the air. Our advance was entirely unexpected. It completely dazed the Confederates and brought their advance to an end. We held our position till nightfall, when we fell back in good order and reorganized or forces."

FESQ, FRANK

Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 40th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 2 April 1865. Entered service at: Newark, N.J. Born: 4 April 1840, Germany. Date of issue: 10 May 1865. Citation: Capture of flag of 18th North Carolina (C.S.A.) within the enemy's works.

Private Frank Fesq, Company A, 40^th New Jersey Infantry. During the battle of Petersburg, approached the color bearer of the 18^th North Carolina, received a saber wound in his thigh, his hand was almost smashed and was still able to wrest the colors away from the color bearer. Eleven others, from various units, were rewarded the Congressional Metal of Honor from the battle of Petersburg.

HOOPER, WILLIAM B.

Rank and organization: Corporal, Company L, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Chamberlains Creek, Va., 31 March 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: Willimantic, Conn. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: With the assistance of a comrade, headed off the advance of the enemy, shooting two of his color bearers; also posted himself between the enemy and the led horses of his own command, thus saving the herd from capture.

HOPKINS, CHARLES F.

Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 1st New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Gaines Mill, Va., 27 June 1862. Entered service at:------. Birth: Warren County, N.J. Date of issue: 9 July 1892. Citation: Voluntarily carried a wounded comrade, under heavy fire, to a place of safety; though twice wounded in the act, he continued in action until again severely wounded.

Charles Hopkins, Private, Co. I, first New Jersey Volunteers. Born at Hope, New Jersey, May 15, 1842

Charles Hopkins touches briefly upon his rescue of a wounded comrade in his description on the action at Gaines Mills, Va., but he was reported and highly praised for this act.

"Our regiment, the First New Jersey Volunteers, was ordered from the south side of the Chickahominy River to support Fitz John Porter, who was attacked at the place by ‘Stonewall’ Jackson and Longstreet, determined to crush our right wing. We reached the field about 1.P.M., and were sent in to relieve the Fourteenth Regulars. The First Michigan’s right was turned, and they were swept from the field for a short time. This left an opening by which the Fourth New York Volunteers were taken prisoners, only about ninety escaping, our regiment being compelled to retire its right. A similar movement was taking place on the left, leaving our company in the apex of the angle, thus made."

"The order to retire, keeping up the fire, was given by our captain. Not hearing the order, or unconscious of the dangerous position, the company did not retire promptly, and the enemy poured a terrific fire on us from every point but our immediate rear, and even that was not exempt until we reached a point parallel with the line of battle."

"A comrade and myself were laggards in retiring, bet were keeping up the fire. Having been twice wounded, I was looking for shelter to cover by backward movement, and, while moving from one place to another among the bushes, came across Sergeant Richard Donnelly of our company, who was badly wounded in the right leg. I told him I would take him out, and we could both chance fire from all quarters. I got him on my back, and through that gauntlet of flame and bullets, made my way back to the rear in safety.

"I was badly wounded in the hand twenty minutes after leaving him, and was left for dead on the field, but, recovered, and was taken prisoner the next morning, being released five hours later with a large number of wounded who were able to walk".

KANE, THOMAS

Rank and organization: Captain of the Hold, U.S. Navy. Born: 1841

Jersey City, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 84, 3 October 1867. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Nereus during the attack on Fort Fisher, on 15 January 1865. Kane, as captain of the hold, displayed outstanding skill and courage as his ship maintained its well-directed fire against fortifications on shore despite the enemy's return fire. When a rebel steamer was discovered in the river back of the fort, the Nereus, with forward rifle guns trained, drove the ship off at the third fire. The gallant ship's participation contributed to the planting of the flag on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.

LOCKE, LEWIS

Rank and organization: Private, Company A, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Paines Crossroads, Va., 5 April 1865. Entered service at: Jersey City, N.J. Birth: Clintonville, N.Y. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation: Capture of a Confederate flag.

MAGEE, WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Drummer, Company C, 33d New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Murfreesboro, Tenn., 5 December 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Newark, N.J. Date of issue: 7 February 1866. Citation: In a charge, was among the first to reach a battery of the enemy and, with one or two others, mounted the artillery horses and took two guns into the Union lines.

OSS, ALBERT

Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 11th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Chancellorsville, Va., 3 May 1863. Entered service at: Newark, N.J. Birth: Belgium. Date of issue: 6 May 1892. Citation: Remained in the rifle pits after the others had retreated, firing constantly, and contesting the ground step by step.

PORTER, WILLIAM          

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: New York, N.Y. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Among the first to check the enemy's countercharge.

SAGELHURST, JOHN C.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Hatchers Run, Va., 6 February 1865. Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y. Birth: Buffalo, N.Y. Date of issue: 3 January 1906. Citation: Under a 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.

SEWELL, WILLIAM J.

Rank and organization: Colonel, 5th New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Chancellorsville, Va., 3 May 1863. Entered service at: Camden, N.J. Born: 6 December 1835, Ireland. Date of issue: 25 March 1896. Citation: Assuming command of a brigade, he rallied around his colors a mass of men from other regiments and fought these troops with great brilliancy through several hours of desperate conflict, remaining in command though wounded and inspiring them by his presence and the gallantry of his personal example.

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.

SOUTHARD, DAVID

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date. At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865. Entered service at:------. Birth: Ocean County, N.J. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Capture of flag; and was the first man over the works in the charge.

STEWART, GEORGE W.

Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company E, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Paines Crossroads, Va., 5 April 1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Salem, N.J. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation: Capture of flag.

STRAHAN, ROBERT

Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Birth: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Accredited to: New Jersey. Citation: Served as captain of the top on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of the No. 1 gun, Strahan carried out his duties in the face of heavy enemy fire and exhibited marked coolness and good conduct throughout the engagement. Strahan was highly recommended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievements.

STREILE, CHRISTIAN

Rank and organization: Private, Company I, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Paines Crossroads, Va., 5 April 1865. Entered service at: Jersey City, N.J. Birth: Germany. Date of issue: 3 May 1865. Citation: Capture of flag.

TAYLOR, FORRESTER L.

Rank and organization: Captain, Company H, 23d New Jersey Infantry. Place and date: At Chancellorsville. Va., 3 May 1863. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa. Date of issue: 2 November 1896. Citation: At great risk voluntarily saved the lives of and brought from the battlefield 2 wounded comrades.

Forrester L. Taylor. First Lieutenant Co. H, 23d N. J. Infantry. Highest rank attained: Brevet Major. Born at Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 30, 1833.

"I was detailed the command of Company H, Twenty-third New Jersey Infantry, and led it at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Va., May 3d and 4th, 1863," writes Major F. L. Taylor.

"After the retreat was ordered, as I was hurrying down the road, I came to the prostrate form of Second Lieutenant Wilson of my company, who earnestly begged me to save him. Although it looked like suicide, I could not refuse, and stood by him making several unavailing efforts to obtain aid. Finally three of my men who were hurrying by, responded. One of them spread his blanket on the ground; we lifted the lieutenant on it, and, each taking a corner started to the rear."

"A Union line of battle was formed a quarter of a mile to the rear, made up of men of various regiments, who bade fair to hold their ground. Before we had pursued our toilsome way over half the distance, the line broke under the fierce rebel attack but reformed 500 yards farther to the rear, and, facing the foe, succeeded in checking his advance."

"As the line broke, I told the wounded lieutenant that our capture or death were now a certainty, and that my duty did not permit me to sacrifice four lives for the bare chance of saving one, so I ordered the men to lover him to the road, took his watch and pocket-book at his request, and left him. Perceiving, however, that the line of battle again formed, I encouraged my men to make another effort to save him. Without a murmur the brave fellows turned back between the fires of the contending forces. We reached Wilson in safety, and, though tired out with our exertion and the heart, staggered on until arrested by shouts. We were so weary that we were not looking where we were going, but with dogged resolution were struggling on, intent only on getting behind the line of the brave fellows who were so fiercely battling against the rebel advance. Looking up I found we were directly in front of a couple of brass field-pieces ready to fire. I hastily ordered my men to spring into the deep gully on the right side of the road, and a charge of grape went hurling over our heads. It was a narrow escape, as the captain of the battery afterwards said, for he could not have held his fire a half minute longer. We scrambled up out of the gully, and, before the guns were reloaded, passed between them and sank exhausted on the ground. After a very short rest we again picked up our wounded officer and got him back to the field hospital."

"On the way to the rear, I was hailed by one of my corporals, Joel Wainwright, who implored me to save him. I told him that my hands were pretty full just then, but, that I would return for him if possible, and cautioned him not on any account, to move from where he was. When I returned for him, it was growing dark, but, O had no trouble in finding him, and soon had him in the doctor’s hands."

"Shortly after, I heard that my friend, First Lieutenant Charles Sibley, of Company A, had fallen, badly wounded, at a certain place. I went back to my men and asked them to make a third trip, to rescue Sibley. They did not refuse, and, after getting a pass to go outside the lines again, my brave fellows went on their errand of mercy. But, their effort was in vain. Having reached the described spot and calling his name without response, the rebel pickets began to fire on us, and I thought that discretion was the better part of valor. After covering a half dozen poor fellows with blankets, and giving a dozen or more drinks from our canteens, ordered a return, which was accomplished without injury.

"How we escaped with our lives, while saving Wilson, I cannot tell, unless the rebels, seeing what we were doing, had not the heart to fire on us. The five of us in a bunch were a tempting shot, but there is more good heart shown, even on the battle field, than is generally believed, for the true soldier feels a comradeship even with an enemy, whose conduct shows a spirit not less admirable than his own. As an evidence of this, the cap and shoulder straps of Lieutenant Sibley were sent in to us the next morning, under a flag of truce with a message telling of his death and soldier’s burial.

TITUS, CHARLES

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865. Entered service at: New Brunswick, N.J. Birth: Millstone, N.J. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Was among the first to check the enemy's countercharge.

TOFFEY, JOHN J.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Company G, 33d New Jersey Infantry. Place and date. At Chattanooga, Tenn., 23 November 1863. Entered service at: Hudson, N.J. Birth: Duchess, N.Y. Date of issue: 10 September 1897. Citation: Although excused from duty on account of sickness, went to the front in command of a storming party and with conspicuous gallantry participated in the assault of Missionary Ridge; was here wounded and permanently disabled.

John J. Toffey. 1^st Lieutenant, Co. G., 33d New Jersey Infantry. Born at Quaker Hill, N.Y., June 1, 1844.

It was for an act of superlative bravery, performed altogether outside of the line of duty, that the Medal of Honor was conferred on Lieutenant John J. Toffey, of Company G, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers. At a time when he ought to have been in the hospital, he rushed into almost certain death to lead a storming party, the officers of which had all been shot down. He thus describes his feat:

"For several days prior to the battle of Chattanooga I had been excused from duty on account of illness and the night before the battle the surgeon of the regiment ordered me into hospital, telling me that I was not able to take part in the engagement that we were expecting. I was determined not to be deprived of my share of the excitement, so I tore up the permit he had given me and marched with the regiment. We were ordered to charge a very strong position on the extreme right of the rebel line. It was well fortified and surrounded by dense woods, while in front there was an open field over which we had to charge."

"Companies I and A, as they emerged into the open, were met with a murderous fire from the entrenched enemy and the swarms of sharpshooters in the woods and buildings that commanded the front of the position. They were directing their attention to the officers, and at the first fire, Captain Waldron, of Company I, was shot down with a bullet through his head, and Captain Boggs, of Company A, was mortally wounded."

"Seeing their officers fall, the men became demoralized. The line wavered and began to fall back in disorder. As these two companies held the key to our position and were intended to lead the attack, something had to be done. Colonel George W. Mindil ordered me to hasten to the right and take command of that part of the line, all the officers being killed or wounded."

"I ran across the open field and reached the advance line in time to prevent it form breaking. I reformed the line and we again charged the almost impregnable position in the face of an accurate and deadly fire. Just as we were carrying the position I received a severe wound, which disabled me permanently, and my military career was brought to an close."

Colonel Mindil stated in his report to the Secretary of War, that "the superlatively brave conduct of First Lieutenant John J. Toffey, saved the position, and enabled us on the following morning to press forward the entire line, and to unite the lines of the Army of the Cumberland, with those of General Sherman’s Army at the mouth of the Chickamauga."

TOMLIN, ANDREW J.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1844, Goshen, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: As corporal of the guard on board the U.S.S. Wabash during the assault on Fort Fisher, on 15 January 1865. As 1 of 200 marines assembled to hold a line of entrenchments in the rear of the fort which the enemy threatened to attack in force following a retreat in panic by more than two thirds of the assaulting ground forces, Cpl. Tomlin took position in line and remained until morning when relief troops arrived from the fort. When one of his comrades was struck down by enemy fire, he unhesitatingly advanced under a withering fire of musketry into an open plain close to the fort and assisted the wounded man to a place of safety.

TOMPKINS, AARON B.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company G, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 5 April 1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Orange, Essex County, N.J. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Charged into the enemy's ranks and captured a battle flag, having a horse shot under him and his cheeks and shoulders cut with a saber.

Walker, Mary E. (Doctor).

Rank and organization: Assistant surgeon, U.S. Army. Born Oswego, New York.

WALKER, DR. MARY E.

Rank and organization: Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian), U. S. Army. Places and dates: Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861; Patent Office Hospital, Washington, D.C., October 1861; Chattanooga, Tenn., following Battle of Chickamauga, September 1863; Prisoner of War, April 10, 1864-August 12, 1864, Richmond, Va.; Battle of Atlanta, September 1864. Entered service at: Louisville, Ky. Born: 26 November 1832, Oswego County, N.Y. Citation: Whereas it appears from official reports that Dr. Mary E. Walker, a graduate of medicine, "has rendered valuable service to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and untiring in a variety of ways," and that she was assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon in charge of female prisoners at Louisville, Ky., upon the recommendation of Major-Generals Sherman and Thomas, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soldiers, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health, and has also endured hardships as a prisoner of war four months in a Southern prison while acting as contract surgeon; and Whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her; and Whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made: It is ordered, That a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said Dr. Mary E. Walker, and that the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her.

Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D.C., this 11th day of November, A.D. 1865. 

                        Andrew Johnson,
 President

(Medal rescinded 1917 along with 910 others, restored by President Carter 10 June 1977.)

Doctor Mary E. Walker is the only woman up to the present itme who ever received the Medal of Honor. She was one of the very few women who at that time held a diploma

WALSH, JOHN (Mentioned because he saved the colors of the 15^th New Jersey Volunteers on Oct. 19, 1864)

Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 5th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 26 October 1864. Citation: Recaptured the flag of the 15th New Jersey Infantry.

WEEKS, CHARLES H.

Rank and organization: Captain of the Foretop, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, New Jersey. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 84, 3 October 1867. Citation: Served as captain of the foretop on board the U.S.S. Montauk, 21 September 1864. During the night of 21 September, when fire was discovered in the magazine light room of that vessel, causing a panic and demoralizing the crew, Weeks, notwithstanding the cry of "fire in the magazine," displayed great presence of mind and rendered valuable service in extinguishing the flames which were imperiling the ship and the men on board.

WHITFIELD, DANIEL

Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1821, Newark, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: Serving as quartermaster 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. Acting as captain of a gun, Whitfield coolly stood by his gun, holding on to the lock string and waited alongside the rebel ram Tennessee until able to fire the shot that entered her port. Whitfield courageously carried out his duties during the prolonged action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.

WILSON, CHARLES E.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Sailors Creek, Va., 6 April 1865. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Bucks County, Pa. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: Charged the enemy's works, colors in hand, and had 2 horses shot from under him.

WILSON, JOHN

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company L, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Place and date: At Chamberlains Creek, Va., 31 March 1865. Entered service at: Jersey City, N.J. Birth: England. Date of issue: 3 July 1865. Citation: With the assistance of one comrade, headed off the advance of the enemy, shooting 2 of his color bearers; also posted himself between the enemy and the lead horses of his own command, thus saving the herd from capture.

YOUNG, EDWARD B.

Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, Bergan, N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Calena during the attack on enemy forts at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Securely lashed to the side of the Oneida which had suffered the loss of her steering apparatus and an explosion of her boiler from enemy fire, the Calena aided the stricken vessel past the enemy forts to safety. Despite heavy damage to his ship from raking enemy fire, Young performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the action.