Rank Major | Name Joseph Corson | |
Born November 26, 1836
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania ( 1836-11-26 ) Died July 24, 1913(1913-07-24) (aged 76)
Pennsylvania Buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Pennsylvania Allegiance United States of America Years of service 1861, 1863 - 1864, 1867 - 1897 | ||
Service/branch United States Army | ||
Joseph Kirby Corson (November 26, 1836 to July 24, 1913) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Corson received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action near Bristoe Station in Virginia on 14 October 1863. He was honored with the award on 13 May 1899.
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Biography
Corson was born in Plymouth Meeting in Pennsylvania on 26 November 1836. He initially enlisted with the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry in April 1861, and mustered out as a sergeant in July 1861. He joined the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves (35th Pennsylvania Volunteers) as an assistant surgeon in March 1863, and mustered out again in June 1864.
Corson was appointed as assistant surgeon to the regular army in October 1867. He was promoted to major in November 1888, and retired in November 1897. He died on 24 July 1913 and his remains are interred at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
Medal of Honor citation
With one companion returned in the face of the enemy's heavy artillery fire and removed to a place of safety a severely wounded soldier who had been left behind as the regiment fell back.