Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private James E. Croft received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 5, 1864 in Allatoona, Georgia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with 12th Battery, 12th Wisconsin Light Artillery. Croft was 30 years old.
The medal was presented on March 20, 1897, 32 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Croft was born on November 13, 1833 in England — one of 98 recipients born in England. His Medal of Honor is credited to Janesville, Rock County, Wisconsin. Croft died on May 26, 1914 in Janesville, Wisconsin, at the age of 80. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Croft is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 50 credited to Wisconsin.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Took the place of a gunner who had been shot down and inspired his comrades by his bravery and effective gunnery, which contributed largely to the defeat of the enemy.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Battle of Allatoona, American Civil War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Wisconsin →
Timeline
- November 13, 1833Born in England
- October 5, 1864Act of valor — Allatoona, GeorgiaAge 30. 12th Battery, 12th Wisconsin Light Artillery
- March 20, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- May 26, 1914Died in Janesville, WisconsinAge 80.
- Resting placeOak Hill CemeteryJanesville, Wisconsin
Biography
James E. Croft (November 13, 1833 – May 26, 1914) was a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Allatoona. Croft was born in England November 13, 1833. He joined the 12th Wisconsin Light Artillery Battery from Janesville, Wisconsin in August 1862, and mustered out in June 1865.
From the Wikipedia article “James E. Croft”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
