Who received a medal of honor while serving in a historical unit opf the U.S. army that began serving the decade prior to the American Civil War?
Wilhelm O. Philipsen Wilhelm O. Philipsen (1852–1913), a recipient of the Medal of Honor, served as a blacksmith in Company D of the U.S. Army’s 5th Cavalry Regiment during the Battle of Milk Creek in 1879. He was among 10 cavalrymen who volunteered to form a skirmish line on September 29, 1879 while Company D retreated from an attack by the White River Utes. Philipsen and the other volunteers were awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in defending their unit during this retreat.
George L. Houghton George L. Houghton (August 28, 1841 - February 25, 1917) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Houghton received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor. Houghton's medal was won for his actions at Elk River, Tennessee, where he led a party that saved a bridge, on July 2, 1863. He was honored with the award on March 27, 1900.