Patrick H. Pentzer

Patrick H. Pentzer (1839 – October 16, 1901) was an American soldier who fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Pentzer received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken on April 9, 1865, during the Battle of Fort Blakely.

Patrick Henry Pentzer
Born1839
Marion County, Missouri
DiedOctober 16, 1901
Buried
Springfield National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
RankCaptain
UnitIllinois Company C 97th Illinois Infantry Regiment
Battles/warsBattle of Fort Blakely
American Civil War
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Pentzer was born in 1839 in Marion County, Missouri, but lived most of his life in Illinois. During the Civil War, Pentzel enlisted at Gillespie, Macoupin County, Illinois. He initially served as a private in Company H of the 9th Illinois Infantry, then re-enlisted as sergeant-major of the 97th Illinois Infantry Regiment where he served three years.[1]

On February 14, 1863, he was promoted to a Captain the 97th regiment.[1][2] During the Battle of Fort Blakely, Pentzel captured the enemy colors and surrender of Confederate General Francis Cockrell which earned him the Medal of Honor.[3][4]

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Infantry) Patrick Henry Pentzer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 9 April 1865, while serving with Company C, 97th Illinois Infantry, in action at Fort Blakely, Alabama. Among the first to enter the enemy's entrenchments, Captain Pentzer received the surrender of a Confederate general officer and his headquarters flag.[5]

Personal life

Pentzer married his wife, Mary, on June 19, 1870.[1] He died on October 16, 1901, and was interred in Springfield National Cemetery.[6]

References
  1. United States Congressional Serial Set. U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  2. "Patrick H Pentzer - Macoupin ILGenWeb". macoupin.illinoisgenweb.org. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  3. "Medal of Honor given to dozens of Illinois Civil War soldiers". The Rock Island Argus. 16 September 2012. p. 59 – via Newspapers.com.icon of an open green padlock
  4. "Walking the Battlefield – Fort Blakely, Mobile, Alabama". Emerging Civil War. 24 June 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  5. "Patrick Pentzer - Recipient". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  6. "Monuments honor Civil War's fallen". The Springfield News-Leader. 29 May 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 31 May 2022 – via Newspapers.com.icon of an open green padlock
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