b. 1833 Monroe County, New York. d. 29/11/1891 ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/04/1865 Columbus, Georgia.
Birdsall, at the time of the Civil War’s breakout, was an inhabitant of Iowa. He enlisted in the 3rd Iowa Cavalry at Keokuk. When General James H. Wilson moved on Columbus, Georgia, the 3rd Regiment accompanied him. In the Battle of Columbus, Birdsall and his regiment attacked a series of Confederate entrenchments that protected a bridge over the Chattahoochee River. The Regiment captured the entrenchments and bridge; Birdsall captured the Confederate flag-bearer and the flag. For the capture of the flagbearer, Birdsall was awarded the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal on 17 June 1865. During the war, Birdsall lost a part of his right thumb and was wounded in the head. Birdsall moved to Lawrence, Kansas after the war ended. He died November 29, 1891, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
MOH CITATION:
Capture of the flag.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 13, GRAVE 6935
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
