Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Cassius Peck received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 19, 1862 near Blackburn's Ford, West Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company F, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters. Peck was 20 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on October 12, 1892, 30 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
Peck was born on March 3, 1842 in Brookfield, Orange County, Vermont. His Medal of Honor is credited to West Randolph, Orange County, Vermont. Peck died on July 12, 1913 in Burlington, Vermont, at the age of 71. He is buried at Brookfield New Cemetery in Brookfield, Vermont.
Peck is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 47 credited to Vermont.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Took command of such soldiers as he could get and attacked and captured a Confederate battery of four guns. Also, while on a reconnaissance, overtook and captured a Confederate soldier.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- March 3, 1842Born in Brookfield, Orange County, Vermont
- September 19, 1862Act of valor — near Blackburn's Ford, West VirginiaAge 20. Company F, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters
- October 12, 1892Medal of Honor presented
- July 12, 1913Died in Burlington, VermontAge 71.
- Resting placeBrookfield New CemeteryBrookfield, Vermont
