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.
John Johnson (Medal of Honor, 1842) John Johnson (March 25, 1842 – April 3, 1907) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg.