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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Benjamin Gifford — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Service Era: Battle of Sailor's Creek, American Civil War
Medals Recorded: 2

Benjamin Gifford

Private, U.S. Army

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Battle of Sailor's CreekAmerican Civil War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862-1895 Army
Civil War Campaign Medal 1862–1895 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

On April 6, 1865, with Lee's army retreating toward Appomattox, Private Benjamin Gifford captured an enemy flag at Sailor's Creek.

Gifford was born on September 13, 1833, at German Flats, New York. He served in Company H, 121st New York Infantry.

The fighting at Deatonsville and Sailor's Creek shattered a large part of the retreating Confederate force. In that battle Gifford captured a flag, the act recorded in his Medal of Honor citation.

Medal of Honor Citation

Capture of flag.

Gifford received the Medal of Honor on May 10, 1865. He died on July 14, 1901, and was buried in Hinsdale Cemetery in New York.

His record is best understood through the documented service, action, and award rather than by filling gaps with unsupported detail.

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