b. 28/12/1840 Cavendish, Vermont. d. 03/03/1914 Cavendish, Vermont.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 02/04/1865 Petersburg, Virginia.
William J Sperry MOH
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered Civil War service soon after the start of the war, being mustered in as a Private in Company E, 1st Vermont (Three-Month) Volunteer Infantry on May 9, 1861. He served through the engagement at Big Bethel, Virginia in June 1861, and was mustered out when his enlistment expired on August 15, 1861. On October 15, 1861 he was mustered in as a Sergeant in Company E, 6th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and served continually through the war, receiving promotions to 2nd Lieutenant on August 21, 1862, 1st Lieutenant on March 3, 1863, Captain on August 8, 1864, and to Major on January 7, 1865. At the October 19, 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, he assumed command of the regiment when he became the senior unwounded officer. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the final Union Army assaults on Confederate positions at Petersburg, Virginia on April 2, 1865.
His Medal was awarded to him on August 12, 1892.
MOH CITATION:
With the assistance of a few men, captured two pieces of artillery and turned them upon the enemy.
BURIAL LOCATION: MOUNT UNION CEMETERY, CAVENDISH, VERMONT.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
