b. 14/02/1841 Itthaca, New York. d. 12/10/1898 Havana, Cuba.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 23/04/1864 Cane River Crossing, Louisiana.
William S Beebe MOH
He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1863 during the Civil War, and was commissioned as a Regular Army First Lieutenant in the Ordnance Department. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Cane River Crossing, Louisiana on April 23, 1864, with his citation reading simply “Voluntarily led a successful assault on a fortified position”. He had been directed to merely relay the orders to the officers along the Cane River to attack, and to stress the necessity of assaulting the position at once. After relaying the orders, he twice offered to lead the assault, the first offer being refused, the second accepted. The ensuing attack cost the lives of over 200 Union soldiers in a space of 10 minutes, but succeeded in carrying the position and driving away the Confederate troops. Lieutenant Beebe was the first man to reach the Rebel positions, and was highly commended by his commanding officers. His Medal was awarded to him on June 30, 1897. He remained in the Ordnance Department after the conclusion of the War, rising to Major. He died of yellow fever he contracted while serving in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
MOH CITATION:
Voluntarily led a successful assault on a fortified position.
BURIAL LOCATION: US MILITARY ACADEMY CEMETERY, WEST POINT, NEW YORK.
SECTION XX, ROW A, GRAVE 011
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
