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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Private · U.S. Army

Alfred Polond

Private Alfred Polond, Army, received the Medal of Honor for actions on July 1, 1898 in Santiago, Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Spanish-American War July 1, 1898

Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Alfred Polond received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898 in Santiago, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with Company F, 10th U.S. Infantry. Polond was 26 years old.

23 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on June 22, 1899. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Polond was born on February 29, 1872 in Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan. Polond died on March 26, 1956, at the age of 84. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His medal is held by Michigan Heroes Museum (1896 Medal w/1904 ribbon), Frankenmuth, MI.

Polond is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War and one of 112 credited to Michigan.

★ Rescue & Lifesaving

Official Medal of Honor citation

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and while under heavy fire from the enemy.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Timeline

  1. February 29, 1872
    Born in Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan
  2. July 1, 1898
    Act of valor — Santiago, Cuba
    Age 26. Company F, 10th U.S. Infantry
  3. June 22, 1899
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. March 26, 1956
    Died
    Age 84.
  5. Resting place
    Riverside Cemetery
    Kalamazoo, Michigan

Also honored for actions on July 1, 1898

EB Edward Lee Baker Jr. Sergeant Major · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 GB George Francis Berg Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 OB Oscar Brookin Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 UB Ulysses G. Buzzard Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 Charles P. Cantrell Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 AC Andrew Johnson Cummins Sergeant · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 JD John Francis Deswan Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 TD Thomas M. Doherty Corporal · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 FF Frank Ottis Fournia Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 TG Thomas J. Graves Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 BH Benjamin Franklin Hardaway First Lieutenant · Army Spanish-American War · 1898 WK William G. Keller Private · Army Spanish-American War · 1898

See all 24 recipients for July 1, 1898 →

Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.