Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Civil War as a Private in Company B, 31st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, on March 19, 1865. His citation reads "Entirely unassisted, brought from the field an abandoned piece of artillery and saved the gun from falling into the hands of the enemy." His brigade had just been attacked across an open field and was threatened to be flanked when they were ordered to retreat. Private Anderson noticed a field piece from the 19th Indiana Artillery had been abandoned, and, when no other volunteers appeared when asked, went alone to retrieve it. The artillery had been limbered up to its horses before its cannoneers were compelled to leave in haste, so he directed them under fire away from the oncoming Rebels. He barely escaped being killed when a Confederate officer, seconds from capturing or shooting him, was shot himself by other men from the 31st Wisconsin, who formed a temporary battle line to assist Private Anderson's brave act. After the piece had been successfully rescued, he passed it to his Chief of Artillery, who reported the incident to Army commander General William T. Sherman. General Sherman himself then personally thanked and congratulated him, and promised a more substantial reward, which turned out to be an officer's commission of Captain, U.S. Volunteers, and the Medal of Honor. His Medal was awarded to him on June 16, 1865.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Civil War as a Private in Company B, 31st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, on March 19, 1865. His citation reads "Entirely unassisted, brought from the field an abandoned piece of artillery and saved the gun from falling into the hands of the enemy." His brigade had just been attacked across an open field and was threatened to be flanked when they were ordered to retreat. Private Anderson noticed a field piece from the 19th Indiana Artillery had been abandoned, and, when no other volunteers appeared when asked, went alone to retrieve it. The artillery had been limbered up to its horses before its cannoneers were compelled to leave in haste, so he directed them under fire away from the oncoming Rebels. He barely escaped being killed when a Confederate officer, seconds from capturing or shooting him, was shot himself by other men from the 31st Wisconsin, who formed a temporary battle line to assist Private Anderson's brave act. After the piece had been successfully rescued, he passed it to his Chief of Artillery, who reported the incident to Army commander General William T. Sherman. General Sherman himself then personally thanked and congratulated him, and promised a more substantial reward, which turned out to be an officer's commission of Captain, U.S. Volunteers, and the Medal of Honor. His Medal was awarded to him on June 16, 1865.
Bio by: RPD2
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MEDAL OF HONOR
BVT CPT
CO B
31 WISC INF
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