Alfred Polond

He braved enemy fire to rescue wounded men outside the lines

Alfred Polond received the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded men during the Spanish-American War. Born on 29 February 1872 at Lapeer, Michigan, he entered the U.S. Army from his home community and served as a private in Company F, 10th U.S. Infantry.

On 1 July 1898, during fighting at Santiago, Cuba, wounded soldiers lay in front of the American lines. Polond helped bring them to safety while exposed to heavy enemy fire. His award recognised the rescue itself, a task that required him to enter the same ground where others had already fallen.

The Medal of Honor was awarded on 22 June 1899. Polond later attained the rank of sergeant. He died on 26 March 1956 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. His Medal of Honor is held by the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, preserving the record of his rescue under fire.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

“Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and while under heavy fire from the enemy.”

Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Alfred Polond.