Medal of Honor: Powhatan Beaty

BEATY, POWHATAN

Mr. Beaty was born a slave in Richmond, VA in 1837. He grew up in Cincinnati Ohio, and in 1861 he gained his freedom. While in the Army Mr. Beaty rose to the rank of First Sergeant. He went on to become an actor and played Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. His citation may be the shortest of all Medal of Honor recipients. Please take moment to read the citation of a hero.

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Rank: First Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Company: Company G
Division: 5th U.S. Colored Troops
Born: Richmond, Va.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Delaware County, Ohio
G.O. Number:
Date of Issue: 04/06/1865
Accredited To:
Place / Date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864

 

Citation
Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.

Note: to learn more about First Sergeant Beaty please click here.

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