Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Sergeant Josiah Pennsyl received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 11, 1874 in Upper Washita, Texas during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company M, 6th U.S. Cavalry. Pennsyl was 23 years old.
The medal was presented on April 23, 1875.
Pennsyl was born on September 15, 1850 in Frederick County, Maryland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Pennsyl died on January 22, 1920 in Pima, Arizona, at the age of 69. He is buried at Pima Cemetery in Pima, Arizona. Records also list him as Pensyl, Josiah.
Pennsyl is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Gallantry in action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- September 15, 1850Born in Frederick County, Maryland
- September 11, 1874Act of valor — Upper Washita, TexasAge 23. Company M, 6th U.S. Cavalry
- April 23, 1875Medal of Honor presented
- January 22, 1920Died in Pima, ArizonaAge 69.
- Resting placePima CemeteryPima, Arizona