b. 09/02/1843 Newark, New Jersey. d. 06/07/1920 Omaha, Nebraska.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/03/1864 Mason’s Hill, Virginia.
Andrew Traynor MOH
Traynor was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 9, 1843. He enlisted into the 1st Michigan Cavalry’s Company D at the age of 18 in 1861. He received the Medal of Honor on September 28, 1897, for helping his fellow prisoners escape from their captors. In 1864, the Union had several cavalry brigades push down to the James River. On March 16, under orders from his commanding officer, Traynor and another soldier were scouting in thick forests near Mason’s Hill, which was used by 1st Virginia Cavalry as an outpost as well as a signalling post. They were suddenly ambushed by four heavily armed guerrillas, who took them to another group of captured prisoners.
After escaping the guerrillas, Traynor and another prisoner were soon spotted by other guerrillas in the area and were pursued until they finally reached Union positions. He was awarded the Medal of Honor thirty-three years later on September 28, 1897. Traynor later moved to Omaha, Nebraska and died there on July 6, 1920.
MOH CITATION:
Having been surprised and captured by a detachment of guerrillas, this soldier, with other prisoners, seized the arms of the guard over them, killed two of the guerrillas, and enabled all the prisoners to escape.
BURIAL LOCATION: FOREST LAWN CEMETERY, OMAHA, NEBRASKA.
SECTION 10, LOT 219.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
