Dear readers,

We continue this month’s theme of civilians who received the MoH. Originally there were eight, however during the ‘Purge of 1917’ (when the government revised the rules for the award and disqualified 911 recipients) these eight had their honor rescinded. Under a revised ruling, on 12 June, 1989, seven had their honors returned (the eighth had hers returned in 1977). This week a Civil War scout: William H. Woodall. Catch his story here.

I could not find a photo of Woodall anywhere, but I have presented a replica of the colors of the 1st North Carolina Cavalry famously captured by Woodall and cited in his citation.

Make the most of your day!

RJL

WILLIAM H. WOODALL

Rank and Organization: Civilian scout, U.S. Army, Major General Philip H. Sheridan’s Headquarters, during Civil War. Place and Date: Virginia, Appomattox campaign, Sailors Creek, March 29 to April 9, 1865. Entered service: At Winchester, Virginia. Birthdate: unknown. Date of Issue: 25 April 1865. Place: Washington, D.C., 3 May 1865. 2nd Date of Issue: 12 June 1989

Citation: (1865) Captured flag of Brigadier General Rufus Barringer’s headquarters brigade.

(1989) The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Civilian Scout William H. Woodall, a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action from March 29 to 9 April 1865, while serving as a Scout attached to the Federal Forces. At Deatonsville (Sailor’s Creek), Virginia, he captured flag of Brigadier General Rufus Barringer’s headquarters brigade.