William Westerhold
William Westerhold (January 21, 1836 – May 12, 1910) was a sergeant in the United States Army during the American Civil War. He received a Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, for his actions at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864.
William Westerhold | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 21, 1836 Binde, Prussia |
| Died | May 12, 1910 (aged 74) New York City |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 52nd New York Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Spotsylvania Court House |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Military service
After emigrating from Prussia, Westerhold joined the Army from New York City in October 1861, and was assigned to the 52nd New York Infantry. He was commissioned as an officer a few days after his MOH action, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865.[1]
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 12, 1864, at Spotsylvania, Virginia. He is credited with risking his life to capture the flag of a Confederate Army regiment, the 23rd Virginia Infantry.
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 First Lieutenant William Westerhold, United States Army, for, Capture of flag of 23d Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) and its bearer.