Private William E. Hart was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in August 1864 at Shenandoah Valley, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company B, 8th New York Cavalry. Hart was about 21 years old.
The medal was presented on July 3, 1872, 8 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Corporal.
Hart was born in 1843 in Rushville, Yates County, New York. Hart died on October 21, 1874 in Champlain Canal, Mechanicsville, New York, at the age of about 31. He is buried at Halfmoon in New York. His medal is held by National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.
Hart is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Gallant conduct and services as scout in connection with capture of the guerrilla Harry Gilmore, and other daring acts.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: American Civil War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- 1843Born in Rushville, Yates County, New York
- August 1864Act of valor — Shenandoah Valley, VirginiaAge about 21. Company B, 8th New York Cavalry
- July 3, 1872Medal of Honor presented
- October 21, 1874Died in Champlain Canal, Mechanicsville, New YorkAge about 31.
- Resting placeHalfmoonNew York
Biography
William E. Hart (1843 – October 21, 1874) was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Valley Campaigns of 1864 & 1865. Hart was instrumental in the capture of Confederate cavalry raider Colonel Harry Gilmor on February 4, 1865. Hart enlisted in the Army from Rushville, New York in October 1861, and mustered out with his regiment in June 1865.
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