Antoine August Michel Gaujot

He swam under enemy fire to obtain a canoe for his comrades.

Antoine August Michel Gaujot attended the institution now known as Virginia Tech in 1896 and 1897 before beginning military service. He became a corporal in Company M, 27th Infantry, United States Volunteers, during the Philippine-American War.

At San Mateo, Luzon, on 19 December 1899, his unit faced a river under enemy fire. Gaujot attempted to swim across to obtain a canoe that would help the soldiers cross. His official Medal of Honor citation recognizes the attempt made under heavy fire. The award followed in 1911.

He subsequently became a commissioned National Guard officer, served during the Mexican border emergency and in France during the First World War, and attained lieutenant colonel. In civilian life he worked as an engineer. His brother Julien also received the Medal of Honor, for a separate action on the Mexican border.

Gaujot died at Williamson, West Virginia, on 14 April 1936 and was buried in Fairview Cemetery. Virginia Tech preserves the brothers' military papers, photographs and correspondence, including material concerning Antoine's death at the hands of Julien's son.