Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Reuben S. Smalley received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 2, 1863 at Elk River, Tennessee during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company D, 104th Illinois Infantry. Smalley was 26 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on October 30, 1897, 34 years after the action.
Smalley was born on April 8, 1837 in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Brookfield, Cook County, Illinois. Smalley died on February 17, 1916, at the age of 78. He is buried at Allen Cemetery in Ransom, Illinois.
Smalley 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
Voluntarily joined a small party that, under a heavy fire, captured a stockade and saved the bridge.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- April 8, 1837Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania
- July 2, 1863Act of valor — Elk River, TennesseeAge 26. Company D, 104th Illinois Infantry
- October 30, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- February 17, 1916DiedAge 78.
- Resting placeAllen CemeteryRansom, Illinois
