Civil War Union Major General, Medal of Honor Recipient. In the early days of the Civil War, Ohio Governor William Dennison appointed Swayne as a Major in the 43rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He led the 43trd Ohio in the battles for Island Number Ten, New Madrid, Corinth, Mississippi and was promoted Colonel in 1862. In 1863, he served with the 43rd Ohio as Provost Marshal on garrison duty at Memphis and Prospect, Tennessee. During 1864 and 1865, he participated in the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, the March to the Sea and the invasion of South Carolina. On February 22, 1865, while he and 43rd Ohio was crossing the Salkehatchie River in South Carolina, Confederate soldiers shelled the Union troops. Colonel Swayne rallying his men and leading them in an attack to victory on the Confederate position, was struck with a shell resulting in the loss of his right leg. He was promoted Brigadier General and because of his wound did not see any additional combat. For conspicuous gallantry in leading his regiment in charge, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in August 1893. After the war, he remained in the Army and was appointed head of the Freedman's Bureau, Alabama. He retired from active service as a Major General in 1870.
Civil War Union Major General, Medal of Honor Recipient. In the early days of the Civil War, Ohio Governor William Dennison appointed Swayne as a Major in the 43rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He led the 43trd Ohio in the battles for Island Number Ten, New Madrid, Corinth, Mississippi and was promoted Colonel in 1862. In 1863, he served with the 43rd Ohio as Provost Marshal on garrison duty at Memphis and Prospect, Tennessee. During 1864 and 1865, he participated in the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, the March to the Sea and the invasion of South Carolina. On February 22, 1865, while he and 43rd Ohio was crossing the Salkehatchie River in South Carolina, Confederate soldiers shelled the Union troops. Colonel Swayne rallying his men and leading them in an attack to victory on the Confederate position, was struck with a shell resulting in the loss of his right leg. He was promoted Brigadier General and because of his wound did not see any additional combat. For conspicuous gallantry in leading his regiment in charge, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in August 1893. After the war, he remained in the Army and was appointed head of the Freedman's Bureau, Alabama. He retired from active service as a Major General in 1870.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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