John T Rutherford MOH

b. 23/08/1823 Russell, New York. d. 27/08/1898 Chicago, Illinois.

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 11 and 27/05/1864 Yellow Tavern & Hanovertown, Virginia.

Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in action on May 11, 1864 at Yellow Tavern, Virginia and on May 27, 1864 at Hanovertown, Virginia. He enlisted in the Union Army on November 2, 1861 at Russellville, New York, and was mustered in as a Sergeant in Company L, 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry. On February 23, 1862 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, received a promotion to 1st Lieutenant on December 27, 162, and Captain of Company B on June 27, 1864. During the May 1864 Union Army cavalry operations under Major General Philip H. Sheridan he performed the acts of bravery and gallantry that would see him awarded the CMOH, with his citation reading “Made a successful charge at Yellow Tavern, VA.; 11 May 1864, by which 90 prisoners were captured. On 27 May 1864, in a gallant dash on a superior force of the enemy and a personal encounter, captured his opponent.”

He was wounded on September 19, 1864 at the 3rd Battle of Winchester, Virginia, and was mustered out of service due to his injury on October 30, 1864. However, on December 2, 1864 he was re-commissioned as a Captain in the 9th new York Cavalry, and was given command of Company G. He then served through the end of the war, receiving a brevet promotion to Major, US Volunteers, and being honorably mustered out on July 17, 1865. His Medal was awarded to him on March 22, 1892.

 

MOH CITATION:

Made a successful charge at Yellow Tavern, Va., 11 May 1864, by which 90 prisoners were captured. On 27 May 1864, in a gallant dash on a superior force of the enemy and a personal encounter, captured his opponent.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: BROOKSIDE CEMETERY, WADDINGTON, NEW YORK.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.