Charles Stacey

Charles Stacey displayed remarkable courage during one of the most decisive battles of the American Civil War, willingly exposing himself to deadly enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers. His extraordinary bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg earned him the Medal of Honor, recognizing a selfless act that reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army and secured his place among the nation's most distinguished Civil War heroes.

Charles Stacey was born on 22 April 1843 in Coventry, England. He later emigrated to the United States and settled in Ohio. When the American Civil War erupted, he enlisted in Company D, 55th Ohio Infantry, joining thousands of volunteers who fought to preserve the Union during the nation's greatest crisis.

Throughout his military service, Stacey took part in several important campaigns with the Army of the Potomac. His finest hour came during the Battle of Gettysburg on 2 July 1863, when Union forces faced determined Confederate assaults. During fierce fighting, Stacey voluntarily moved forward to an exposed position on the skirmish line to determine the location of concealed Confederate sharpshooters who were threatening his regiment. Remaining under intense enemy fire, he continued to observe and report the enemy's movements until his company withdrew to the main line. His courage and determination under extremely dangerous conditions helped protect his comrades during one of the Civil War's pivotal engagements.

For his conspicuous gallantry at Gettysburg, Stacey was awarded the Medal of Honor on 23 June 1896, more than three decades after the battle. His official citation recognized his voluntary advance beyond the Union line and his steadfast conduct while exposed to enemy fire.

Following the Civil War, Stacey returned to civilian life and remained a respected veteran of the Union Army. His wartime service later qualified him for the Civil War Campaign Medal, which was established in 1907 to recognize veterans who had served honorably during the conflict. Although the medal was created many years after his heroic actions, it forms part of his official military entitlement under United States Army regulations.

Private Charles Stacey died on 17 October 1924 and was buried in Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio. Today, he is remembered as one of the many ordinary soldiers whose extraordinary courage helped shape the outcome of the Civil War. His Medal of Honor remains a lasting symbol of selfless bravery, steadfast duty, and unwavering commitment to the Union cause.