b. 01/11/1827 Hollis, Maine. d. 17/07/1902 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24/06/1864 St Mary’s Church, Virginia.
Charles Henry Smith MOH
Smith was born in Hollis, Maine. taught school before the Civil War. He married Mary R. L. Livermore in 1850.
During the Civil War, Smith was a member of the 1st Maine Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He was commissioned a captain in November 1861 and took command of Company D. He served well and was promoted to major on February 16, 1863. Promoted again March 26 to lieutenant colonel, he participated in the Stoneman 1863 raid. He commanded the regiment in Col. Douty’s absence at Brandy Station assuming command after Douty’s death at Aldie June 17, 1863 when he was promoted colonel. He commanded through the rest of the Gettysburg Campaign. He was breveted to brigadier general on August 20, 1864, and took command of the brigade. He ended the war at Appomattox having commanded several brigades and a division.
He earned his Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of St. Mary’s Church in October 1864. He remained in the army after the war and retired as a colonel in 1891.
He was a companion of the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He did not receive his Medal of Honor until April 11, 1895.
MOH CITATION:
Remained in the fight to the close, although severely wounded.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 1, GRAVE 128-A.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
