b. 1833 Albany, New York. d. 12/1870 Remedios, Cuba.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 01/10/1864 Vaughan Road, Virginia.
Clancy joined the 1st New Jersey Cavalry in October 1863. He distinguished himself on October 1, 1864 at the Battle of Vaughan Road. He served with C Company of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry, and is credited with firing the shot that killed Confederate Brigadier General John Dunovant. Dunovant was leading a Confederate cavalry charge against the front of a fortified Union position where Union cavalry under the command of Brigadier General Henry E. Davies were fighting dismounted. Dunovant’s death was one of the key factors leading to a Union victory in the engagement as it disconcerted his brigade and led to a delay in further attacks. This gave Davies time to move his men to an even stronger fortified position. President Andrew Johnson awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Clancy on July 3, 1865.
Following this action, Clancy was commissioned as an officer in September 1864, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. He died in December 1870 in Remedios, Cuba while working on U.S. civilian military aid to Cuba during the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) against Spain, the first Cuban War of Independence. His burial place is currently unknown.
MOH CITATION:
Shot the Confederate Gen. Dunovant dead during a charge, thus confusing the enemy and greatly aiding in his repulse.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.