Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Bernard Shields received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 8, 1865 in Appomattox, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company E, 2d West Virginia Cavalry. Shields was about 32 years old.
4 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 3, 1865.
Shields was born in 1833 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio. Shields died on April 20, 1887, at the age of about 54. He is buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.
Shields is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Capture of flag of the Washington Artillery (C.S.A.).
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1833Born in Ireland
- April 8, 1865Act of valor — Appomattox, VirginiaAge about 32. Company E, 2d West Virginia Cavalry
- May 3, 1865Medal of Honor presented
- April 20, 1887DiedAge about 54.
- Resting placeMount Calvary CemeteryColumbus, Ohio
Biography
Bernard Shields (c. 1833 - 20 April 1887) was a private in the United States Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the American Civil War. He was awarded the medal on 3 May 1865 for actions performed at the Battle of Appomattox Station in April 1865.
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