b. 05/01/1843 Painted Post, New York. d. 19/02/1913 Mount Vernon, New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 01-03/07/1863 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Harvey M Munsell MOH
Munsell enlisted with the 32nd Pennsylvania (lateral renumbered the 99th) in Philadelphia at age 18. He had been managing a lumberyard for his uncle in Oil City, Pennsylvania at the time the Civil War began, and enlisted in the Union Army due to his opposition to slavery. Due to his short stature, and reported to be only 100 pounds, Munsell was turned away at all enlistment sites along the way from Oil City until he reached Philadelphia, where there was such a high demand for volunteers that his small size was overlooked. He was enlisted as a private, and was made color-bearer.
Munsell first saw action during the Peninsula campaign, where he charged a Georgian line with his flag encouraging his men to follow and drive back the Confederate advance. His next battle was the Battle of Chancellorsville from May 2–3, 1863. During this battle, Munsell and his unit were tasked with clearing from the woods a group of Confederate soldiers for which they received the Kearny Cross.
Munsell was next at the Battle of Gettysburg, the 99th situated at the Devil’s Den on the left flank of General Ward’s brigade. During the ensuing battle, Munsell misunderstood commands to fall back with his company and found himself exposed to Confederate fire. A cannon shell burst nearby causing him to hit the ground and fall into a cavity made by a previous shell explosion. Here, he remained until the Sixth Corps pushed back the Confederate advance and he was able to return to his unit. Following this action, Major John W. Moore, commander of the 99th, made a special note of Munsell’s actions, calling it “worthy of the most decided approval”. Further commendations were sent to the Secretary of War by General J. H. Hobart Ward.
Following Gettysburg, Munsell took part in the Battle of Kelly’s Ford, the Battle of Mine Run, and the Battle of Manassas Gap. He then received an extended furlough to attend the Free Military School in Washington, D.C., where he left as a First Lieutenant. He then rejoined his regiment and took part in the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Second Battle of Deep Bottom. In the latter fight, Munsell was captured and held as a prisoner of war until his release in 1865. He returned to his company yet again, now as a Captain.
MOH CITATION:
Gallant and courageous conduct as color bearer. (This noncommissioned officer carried the colors of his regiment through 13 engagements.)
BURIAL LOCATION: MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.
MISTLETOE PATH, LOT 3398.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
