Years of service 1861 - 1865 Rank First Lieutenant | Unit 52nd New York Infantry Name William Westerhold | |
Born January 21, 1836
Binde, Prussia ( 1836-01-21 ) Died May 12, 1910(1910-05-12) (aged 74)
New York City Allegiance United States of America
Union Service/branch United States Army
Union Army | ||
William Westerhold (January 21, 1836 – May 12, 1910) was a sergeant in the United States Army during the American Civil War. He received a Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, for his actions at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864.
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Military service
After emigrating from Prussia, Westerhold joined the Army from New York City in October 1861, and was assigned to the 52nd New York Infantry. He was commissioned as an officer a few days after his MOH action, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania, Virginia. He is credited with risking his life to capture the flag of a Confederate Army regiment, the 23rd Virginia Infantry.
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 First Lieutenant William Westerhold, United States Army, for, Capture of flag of 23d Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) and its bearer.