Orson W. Bennett

First Lieutenant Orson W. Bennett (November 17, 1841 – January 8, 1904)[1][2][3] was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Bennett received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Honey Hill, South Carolina on 30 November 1864. He was honored with the award on 9 March 1887.[4]

Orson W. Bennett
Born(1841-11-17)November 17, 1841
Union City, Michigan
DiedJanuary 8, 1904(1904-01-08) (aged 62)
Pennsylvania
Buried
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861–1865
RankCaptain
Unit102nd Regiment United States Colored Troops
Battles/warsBattle of Honey Hill
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Bennett was born in Union City in Branch County, Michigan. He enlisted into the 1st Iowa Volunteers at Dubuque, Iowa.[1] Having left the war due to injuries he received during the Battle of Wilson's Creek, he subsequently re-enlisted into the 12th Wisconsin Infantry and was later a lieutenant in the 102d U.S. Colored Troops.[3]

He received the medal of honor for his action on 30 November 1864, during the Battle of Honey Hill. The 3rd New York Battery having been decimated and leaving behind useful artillery, Bennett led his infantry unto the battlefield to recover the cannons. After several attempts his men were finally able to recover the artillery.[4]

Bennett died on January 8, 1904. His remains are interred at Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.[1]

Medal of Honor citation

After several unsuccessful efforts to recover three pieces of abandoned artillery, this officer gallantly led a small force fully 100 yards in advance of the Union lines and brought in the guns, preventing their capture.[2][4]

See also

References
  1. "Orson W. Bennett". Military Times Hall of Valor. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  2. "Civil War (A-L) - Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  3. Gary Hendershott; Douglas Brown; Michael Riley (1 May 2007). James L. Halperin (ed.). HSA Civil War Platinum Auction Catalog #663. Dallas, Texas): Heritage Auction Galleries.
  4. "1st Lt. Orson W. Bennett". Iowas Medal of Honor Heroes. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
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