Veteran in crisis? Dial 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 Next observance: Navy Birthday · October 13
Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

First Sergeant · U.S. Army

Edward M. Pike

First Sergeant Edward M. Pike, Army, received the Medal of Honor for actions on July 7, 1862 at Cache River, Arkansas during the Civil War.

U.S. Civil War July 7, 1862

Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, First Sergeant Edward M. Pike received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 7, 1862 at Cache River, Arkansas during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company A, 33d Illinois Infantry. Pike was 24 years old.

The medal was presented on March 29, 1899, 36 years after the action.

Pike was born on July 1, 1838 in Casco, Cumberland County, Maine. His Medal of Honor is credited to Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. Pike died on August 10, 1924 in Chenoa, Illinois, at the age of 86. He is buried at Chenoa Cemetery in Chenoa, Illinois.

Pike is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 210 credited to Illinois.

Official Medal of Honor citation

While the troops were falling back before a superior force, this soldier, assisted by one companion, and while under severe fire at close-range, saved a cannon from capture by the enemy.

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

Timeline

  1. July 1, 1838
    Born in Casco, Cumberland County, Maine
  2. July 7, 1862
    Act of valor — Cache River, Arkansas
    Age 24. Company A, 33d Illinois Infantry
  3. March 29, 1899
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. August 10, 1924
    Died in Chenoa, Illinois
    Age 86.
  5. Resting place
    Chenoa Cemetery
    Chenoa, Illinois

More Civil War recipients from Illinois

WM William Martin Boatswain's Mate · Navy Civil War · 1862 Thomas J. Higgins Sergeant · Army Civil War · 1863 JA John G. k Ayers Private · Army Civil War · 1863 HD Henry Dow Boatswain's Mate · Navy Civil War · 1863 WP Winthrop D. Putnam Corporal · Army Civil War · 1863 Thomas J. Ward Private · Army Civil War · 1863
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.