b. 13/07/1839 Syracuse, New York. d. 15/04/1915 Wilmington, Delaware.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 15/01/1865 Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
John D Wainwright MOH
Born in Syracuse, New York on July 13, 1839, John Wainwright was a son of Rahway, New Jersey native Samuel Force Wainwright and Maria (Humphry) Wainwright. During his early childhood, his parents relocated their family several times, first to Rahway, New Jersey, then to New York City, and then to Delaware, where, as an older child, John Wainwright was encouraged to learn the trade of coach painting. By 1850, he was residing in New York City’s 11th Ward with his 35-year-old mother and siblings, Henry, Sam, and Benson (born, respectively, circa 1841, 1844, and 1848).
At the dawn of the American Civil War, he was living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a coach painter. He served in the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, rising from 1st Sergeant of Company F to Colonel and Commander of the regiment. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the combined Union Army and Naval assault and capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on January 15, 1865. His Medal was awarded to him on June 24, 1890.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Wainwright returned home to his wife. Together, they welcomed the births of their children: Blanche J., who was born circa 1867; Gretta Maude (1872–1941), who was born in December 1872; and John D. Wainwright (1878–1965), a two-time Navy Cross winner who commanded the U.S. Navy’s Yangtze Patrol/Asiatic Fleet during the 1930s. Employed as a dry goods merchant during the 1870s and 1880s, the elder John Wainwright resided with his wife and children in Wilmington, Delaware, and became an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as a companion of the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. At the turn of the century, Wainwright lived in the 5th Ward of Wilmington with his wife and daughter, Maude (Wainwright) Pyle, who was divorced from her husband. Also residing at the home was Katie Regan, a 20-year-old servant.
MOH CITATION:
Gallant and meritorious conduct, where, as first lieutenant, he commanded the regiment.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 2, GRAVE 1059.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINSTRATION, WASHINGTON DC.
