WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, January 20, 1897

Mr. Samuel J. Churchill, Late Corporal Battery G, Second Illinois Light Artillery:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President and in accordance with the act of Congress, approved March 3, 1863, providing for the presentation of medals of honor to such officers, non-commissioned officers and privates as have most distinguished themselves in action, the Assistant Secretary of War has awarded you a medal of honor for most distinguished gallentry in action at the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, December 15, 1864.

. . . .

This non-commissioned officer, commanding one gun detachment, and when the enemy's batteries opened upon his gun compelling the men of his detachment for a short time to seek shelter, stood manfully at his post and for some minutes worked his gun alone.
 
 

RELATED LINKS:

His Story, in His Words

Offical Army Citation

Award Letter from the War Department (this page)

The Comrade Who Came to His Assistance

Cpl. Samuel J. Churchill U.S. Army Reserve Center, Lawrence, Kansas.

Other Medal of Honor Sites