Name August Kauss | Years of service 1861 - 1865 | |
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Battles/wars Battle of Five ForksAmerican Civil War Died April 27, 1913, New York, United States Battles and wars | ||
Corporal August Kauss (or Kautz) (November 6, 1843 – April 27, 1913) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Kauss received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor. Kauss's medal was won for capturing a flag at the Battle of Five Forks in Virginia on April 1, 1865. He was honored with the award on May 10, 1865.
Kauss was born in Germany. He joined the 8th New York Infantry from New York City in April 1861, and mustered out with this regiment after two years. He re-enlisted with the 15th New York Heavy Artillery in August 1863, and again mustered out with his regiment after two years. Kauss was buried in Hurley, New York.
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal August Kauss, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 April 1865, while serving with Company H, 15th New York Heavy Artillery, in action at Five Forks, Virginia, for capture of battle flag.