Private Benjamin Gifford, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 6, 1865 at Deatonsville (Sailor's Creek), Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company H, 121st New York Infantry. Gifford was 31 years old.
59 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 10, 1865.
Gifford was born on September 13, 1833 in German Flats, Herkimer County, New York. Gifford died on July 14, 1901, at the age of 67. He is buried at Hinsdale Cemetery in Hinsdale, New York.
Gifford is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Capture of flag.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Places
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Timeline
- September 13, 1833Born in German Flats, Herkimer County, New York
- April 6, 1865Act of valor — Deatonsville (Sailor's Creek), VirginiaAge 31. Company H, 121st New York Infantry
- May 10, 1865Medal of Honor presented
- July 14, 1901DiedAge 67.
- Resting placeHinsdale CemeteryHinsdale, New York
Biography
Benjamin Gifford (September 13, 1833 - July 14, 1901) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Gifford received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor. Gifford's medal was won for capturing the flag during the Battle of Sailor's Creek on 6 April 1865. He was honored with the award on May 10, 1865. Gifford was born in German Flatts, New York. He joined the Army in August 1862, and mustered out with his regiment in June 1865. Gifford was buried in Hinsdale, New York.
From the Wikipedia article “Benjamin Gifford”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
