Paul Ambrose Oliver MOH

b. 18/07/1831 English Channel at sea. d. 18/05/1928 Laurel Run, Pennsylvania.

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 15/05/1864 Resaca, Georgia.

Paul A Oliver MOH

He was born on the ship Louisiana, his father’s merchant ship, during one of its voyages in the English Channel. Before the Civil War, he worked as a shipping merchant.

In January 1862, Oliver joined the 12th New York Volunteer Infantry as a second lieutenant. During the war, he served as an aide to no fewer than four generals, including Daniel Butterfield, George Meade, Joseph Hooker and Gouverneur K. Warren. While he accepted a promotion to captain in April 1864, he declined further promotions. On March 8, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Oliver for appointment as a brevet brigadier general to rank from March 8, 1865, and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on March 10, 1865. Oliver resigned his commission on May 6, 1865.

Oliver was an inventor and powder manufacturer after the Civil War. He was also a companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He did not receive his Medal of Honor until October 12, 1892.

 

MOH CITATION:

While acting as aide assisted in preventing a disaster caused by Union troops firing into each other.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: GREEN WOOD CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

SECTION 78, LOTS 3212 / 28733.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.