William H Raymond MOH

Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War as a Corporal in Company A, 108th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on the Third Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (July 3, 1863). His citation reads “Voluntarily and under a severe fire brought a box of ammunition to his comrades on the skirmish line”.

His unit was skirmishing in front of Zeigler’s Grove early morning of July 3rd in an area that had virtually no cover for them. As the skirmishing progressed the 108th NY ran low on ammunition, and the Lieutenant in charge of the skirmish line called for volunteers to run to the main Union line for more. When no one volunteers came forth Corporal Raymond, then acting orderly-sergeant, volunteered to go himself, and reached the main line unscathed. When his commander, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Edward Pierce, suggested that someone else return to the skirmish line with the needed ammunition, since Corporal Raymond already risked his life once, he replied “It might as well be me as anyone” and ran back under fire to the rest of his unit with a box of 1,000 rounds. Although he was unwounded, he had seven bullet holes in his clothing upon his return. His Medal was issued to him on March 10, 1896. He eventually rose to 2nd Lieutenant of his regiment.