Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Sergeant Andrew Symmes Bryant received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 23, 1863 in New Bern, North Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company A, 46th Massachusetts Infantry. Bryant was 22 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 13, 1873, 10 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant Major.
Bryant was born on March 3, 1841 in Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts. Bryant died on October 6, 1931 in Springfield, Ohio, at the age of 90. He is buried at Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Bryant is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 265 credited to Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
By his courage and judicious disposition of his guard of 16 men, stationed in a small earthwork at the head of the bridge, Bryant held in check and repulsed for a half hour a fierce attack of a strong force of the enemy, thus probably saving the city of New Bern from capture.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
- Born: Springfield — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Massachusetts →
Timeline
- March 3, 1841Born in Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts
- May 23, 1863Act of valor — New Bern, North CarolinaAge 22. Company A, 46th Massachusetts Infantry
- August 13, 1873Medal of Honor presented
- October 6, 1931Died in Springfield, OhioAge 90.
- Resting placeSpringfield CemeterySpringfield, Massachusetts
Biography
Andrew Symmes Bryant (March 3, 1841 – October 6, 1931) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Bryant received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at New Bern, North Carolina, on May 23, 1863. He was honored with the award on August 13, 1873.
From the Wikipedia article “Andrew S. Bryant”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
