Sergeant Terrence Begley (died 25 August 1864) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War.[2][3][4] Begley was awarded the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Cold Harbor in Cold Harbor, Virginia on 3 June 1864.[5] He was honored posthumously with the award on 1 December 1864.[1][6]
Terrence Begley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1843 or 1844 Ireland[1] |
| Died | August 25, 1864 Dinwiddie County, Virginia |
| Buried | Unknown; likely at Poplar Grove National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864 |
| Rank | Sergeant[2] |
| Unit |  7th Regiment New York Volunteer Heavy Artillery - Company D |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Spotsylvania Court House Battle of North Anna Battle of Cold Harbor Second Battle of Ream's Station |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor Civil War Campaign Medal |
Biography
editBegley was born in Ireland and enlisted at age 20 in the Army from Albany, New York in February 1864.[7] Begley was killed in combat during the Second Battle of Ream's Station at Reams Station, Virginia on 25 August 1864, just two months after the actions that led to his Medal of Honor award. A cenotaph was placed in his honor at Albany Rural Cemetery, New York in 2021. [1][6][8]
Medal of Honor citation
editShot a Confederate color bearer, 26th Virginia Infantry, rushed forward and seized his colors, and although exposed to heavy fire, regained the lines in safety.[1]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Medal of Honor recipients: Civil War (A-L)". Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ^ a b "U.S. Army Medal of Honor REcipients". Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ^ Willbanks, James H. (2011). America's Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Civil War to Afghanistan: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Civil War to Afghanistan. ABC-CLIO. p. 385. ISBN 9781598843941.
- ^ Newark, Tim (2013). The Fighting Irish: The Story of the Extraordinary Irish Soldier. Macmillan. ISBN 9781250018816.
- ^ "Irish in the American Civil War: Exploring Irish involvement in the American Civil War". Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Military Times Hall of Valor: Terrence Begley". Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ^ Regimental roster
- ^ "Lost to History". Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States. Retrieved 11 August 2013.