Private Nelson W. Ward was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1864 at Staunton River Bridge, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company M, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Ward was 26 years old.
The medal was presented on September 10, 1897, 33 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant.
Ward was born on November 20, 1837 in Madison Township, Columbiana County, Ohio. His Medal of Honor is credited to Rutland, Meigs County, Ohio. Ward died on February 5, 1929 in Long Beach, California, at the age of 91. He is buried at Sunnyside Cemetery in Long Beach, California.
Ward is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Voluntarily took part in the charge; went alone in the front of his regiment under a heavy fire to secure the body of his captain, who had been killed in the action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: American Civil War.
Places
Timeline
- November 20, 1837Born in Madison Township, Columbiana County, Ohio
- June 25, 1864Act of valor — Staunton River Bridge, VirginiaAge 26. Company M, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry
- September 10, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- February 5, 1929Died in Long Beach, CaliforniaAge 91.
- Resting placeSunnyside CemeteryLong Beach, California
Biography
Nelson W. Ward (November 20, 1837 – February 5, 1929) was a United States Army Medal of Honor recipient, honored for his actions while a private in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Battle of Staunton River Bridge of the American Civil War. He also was the author of one book.
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Further reading
- Nelson Ward: A Hopeless Effortcmohs.org · 2023
