Born in Wiscasset, Maine, on November 27, 1836, he earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War at Hatchers Run, Virginia, on October 27, 1863.
The award was finally made officially on May 25, 1892 and indicated that it was presented for “having led part of his Brigade that saved two pieces of artillery from falling into the enemy’s hands, captured a flag and a number of prisoners.” At the time, he was serving as a Lieutenant Colonel of Subsistence, II Corps.
He died on January 25, 1919 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemtery.
SMITH, JOSEPH S.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel and Commissary of Subsistence, 2d Army Corps. Place and date: At Hatchers Run, Virginia, 27 October 1864. Entered service at: Maine. Birth: Wiscasset, Maine. Date of issue: 25 May 1892.
Citation
Led a part of a brigade, saved 2 pieces of artillery, captured a flag, and secured a number of prisoners.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard