b. 12/05/1838 Hollywood, County Wicklow, Ireland. d. 22/04/1922 Philadelphia, Pennslyvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 02/04/1865 Petersburg, Virginia.
William R D Blackwood MOH
Blackwood was born in Hollywood, Ireland on 12 May 1838. He immigrated to the United States and studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In September 1862 he enlisted into the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry as an Assistant Surgeon but was later transferred to the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry on April 28, 1863 where he was promoted to Chief Surgeon of the regiment.
During the Third Battle of Petersburg when Fort Mahone was being attacked, Blackwood assisted several seriously wounded soldiers from the battlefield. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics. He would not receive the Medal until 32 years after the event, on 21 July 1897.
MOH CITATION:
Removed severely wounded officers and soldiers from the field while under a heavy fire from the enemy, exposing himself beyond the call of duty, thus furnishing an example of most distinguished gallantry.
BURIAL LOCATION: CHELTEN HILLS CEMETERY, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
SECTION B, LOT 313
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
