Joseph Michael Lonsway MOH

b. 17/03/1844 Clayton, New York. d. 22/01/1925 Clayton, New York.

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/10/1864 Murfrees Station, Virginia.

Joseph Lonsway MOH

Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company D, 20th New York Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on October 16, 1864 at Murfrees Station, Virginia. His citation reads “Volunteered to swim Blackwater River to get a large flat used as a ferry on the other side; succeeded in getting the boat safely across, making it possible for a detachment to cross the river and take possession of the enemy’s breastworks.” He did not receive the Medal until March 7, 1917.

 

MOH CITATION:

Volunteered to swim Blackwater River to get a large flat used as a ferry on the other side; succeeded in getting the boat safely across, making it possible for a detachment to cross the river and take possession of the enemy’s breastworks.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: ST MARY’S CEMETERY, CLAYTON, NEW YORK.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.