b. 07/04/1842 Syrácuse, New York. d. 08/12/1924 Syracuse, New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTÍON: 02/05/1863 Chancellorsville, Virginia.
William G Tracy MOH
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Civil War as a Second Lieutenant in Company I, 122nd New York Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia on May 2. 1863.
While assigned as an Aide to XII Corps commander Major General Henry W. Slocum, he was detailed to carry orders to brigade and division commanders to bring troops across the Plank Road to meet oncoming Confederate troops. In the confusion he lost his way, and stumbled upon a Confederate artillery battery, which indicated that he had inadvertently entered Confederate lines. Although the uniform of a Union officer, dust obscured his uniform blue, and he nonchalantly walked passed the battery, noting its position. He then came across a second battery, which he also walked passed and noted. Sometime later, as he was approaching Union lines, he was recognized, and the Confederates shot at him. He leapt upon his horse and made a mad and successful dash back to the Union forces. He then delivered his orders, ad well as relating the intelligence out the Confederate positions he had seen. It was later found out that he passed very closely to the headquarters of Confederate General A.P. Hill. He served until his muster out, and was brevetted up to Major, US Volunteers for his service. His citation reads “Having been sent outside the lines to obtain certain information of great importance and having succeeded in his mission, was surprised upon his return by a large force of the enemy, regaining the Union lines only after greatly imperiling his life”.
His Medal was awarded to him on May 2, 1895, exactly thirty-two years later.
MOH CITATION:
Having been sent outside the lines to obtain certain information of great importance and having succeeded in his mission, was surprised upon his return by a large force of the enemy, regaining the Union lines only after greatly imperiling his life.
BURIAL LOCATION: OAKWOOD MORNINGSIDE CEMETERY, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.
SECTION 24, LOT 21.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
