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PA Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients

The Medal of Honor, established by joint resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. A large percent of Medal of Honor recipients were awarded for action involving flags.

Chester County, Pennsylvania

NOTE: An asterisk (*) denotes a posthumous award.

CHESTER COUNTY, PA

LEWIS, DEWITT CLINTON: West Chester, Captain, Company F, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. Secessionville, S.C., 16 June 1862. Citation given: 23 April 1896. While retiring with his men before a heavy fire of canister shot at short range, returned in the face of the enemy's fire and rescued an exhausted private of his company who but for this timely action would have lost his life by drowning in the morass through which the Troops were retiring.

MARTIN, SYLVESTER H.: Lieutenant, Company K, 88th Pennsylvania Infantry. Weldon Railroad, Va., 19 August 1864. Citation given: 5 April 1894. Gallantly made a most dangerous reconnaissance, discovering the position of the enemy and enabling the division to repulse an attack made in strong force. Born Chester County 1841, died 1927, buried Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA.

SCOTT, JOHN WALLACE: Captain, Company D, 157th Pennsylvania Infantry. Five Forks, Va., 1 April 1865. Citation given: 27 April 1865. Capture of the flag of the 16th South Carolina Infantry, in hand-to-hand combat.

TUCKER, JACOB. R.: Corporal, Company G, 4th Maryland Infantry. Petersburg, Va., 1 April 1865. Citation given: 22 April 1871. Was one of the three soldiers most conspicuous in the final assault.

VAUGHN, PINKERTON R.: Born 1841: died 1866. Downingtown, Pa., Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Aboard USS Mississippi at Port Hudson, 14 march 1863. Citation given: 10 July 1863. Serving on board the U.S.S. Mississippi during her abandonment and firing in the action with the Port Hudson batteries, 14 March 1863. During the abandonment of the Mississippi which had to be grounded, Sgt. Vaughn rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer, remaining with the ship until all the crew had landed and the ship had been fired to prevent its falling into enemy hands. Persistent until the last, and conspicuously cool under the heavy shellfire, Sgt. Vaughn was finally ordered to save himself as he saw fit and was the last man to depart the ship. Pinkerton is buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

More about Chester County in the Civil War

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