Buried at Unknown Awards Medal of Honor Name Terrence Begley | Rank Sergeant Years of service 1864 | |
Battles/wars Battle of Spotsylvania Court House Died August 25, 1864, Virginia, United States Battles and wars Battle of Spotsylvania Court House Unit 7th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment Service/branch United States Army, Union Army | ||
Allegiance United States of America | ||
Sergeant Terrence Begley (died 25 August 1864) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. 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. He was honored posthumously with the award on 1 December 1864.
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Biography
Begley was born in Ireland and enlisted at age 20 in the Army from Albany, New York in February 1864. 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.
Medal of Honor citation
Shot a Confederate color bearer, 26th Virginia Infantry, rushed forward and seized his colors, and although exposed to heavy fire, regained the lines in safety.