Allan H. Dougall

At Bentonville, North Carolina, Allan H. Dougall led Union soldiers in one of the war's final major battles. The Scottish-born officer's Medal of Honor recognized his courage during the 19 March 1865 action.

Dougall was born on 17 July 1836 and later served in the 88th Indiana Infantry. By the Bentonville campaign he was a first lieutenant. On 19 March 1865, as Confederate forces contested the Union advance, Dougall displayed conspicuous courage and leadership. The Medal of Honor citation records his service at Bentonville, where his conduct helped sustain the Union effort during the closing weeks of the Civil War.

The award was issued on 16 February 1897, decades after the battle. Although the surviving record is brief, Dougall's recognition reflects the delayed review common to many Civil War veterans. He remained associated with Indiana after the war and ultimately held the brevet rank of colonel.

Dougall died in 1912. His story links an immigrant's military service with the final campaigns that ended the Confederacy's ability to continue the war.

Sources: Congressional Medal of Honor Society recipient record Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, “Deeds of Valor: Bentonville's Medal of Honor Recipients”: https://fobbnc.wordpress.com/ Victoria Cross Online: https://victoriacrossonline.co.uk/allan-h-dougall-moh/