Patrick Highland was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Highland received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.[1] Highland's medal was won for his 'conspicuous gallantry as Color Bearer' in the assault on Fort Gregg during the Third Battle of Petersburg, in Virginia on April 2, 1865.[1] He was honored with the award on May 12, 1865.[2]

Patrick Highland
Born1841 or 1842
Tipperary, Ireland
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1864 - 1865
RankSergeant
UnitIllinois Company D, 23rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Battles / warsThird Battle of Petersburg
American Civil War
Awards Medal of Honor

Highland was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and in February 1864 (at the age of 22) joined the US Army from Chicago. He mustered out with his regiment in July 1865.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

edit

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Patrick Highland, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 April 1865, while serving with Company D, 23d Illinois Infantry, in action at Petersburg, Virginia, for conspicuous gallantry as Color Bearer in the assault on Fort Gregg.[1]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "Patrick Highland". Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  2. ^ "Civil War (G-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  3. ^ Illinois Muster Rolls