Sergeant Hiram W. Purcell, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on May 31, 1862 in Fair Oaks, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company G, 104th Pennsylvania Infantry. Purcell was 24 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 12, 1894, 31 years after the action.
Purcell was born on August 1, 1837 in Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Purcell died on May 13, 1918 in White Haven, Pennsylvania, at the age of 80. He is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in White Haven, Pennsylvania.
Purcell is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
While carrying the regimental colors on the retreat he returned to face the advancing enemy, flag in hand, and saved the other color, which would otherwise have been captured.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- August 1, 1837Born in Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- May 31, 1862Act of valor — Fair Oaks, VirginiaAge 24. Company G, 104th Pennsylvania Infantry
- May 12, 1894Medal of Honor presented
- May 13, 1918Died in White Haven, PennsylvaniaAge 80.
- Resting placeLaurel Hill CemeteryWhite Haven, Pennsylvania
