Charles W. Anderson (soldier)

The Union cavalryman known as Charles W. Anderson carried another identity: his legal name was George Pforr, a former Confederate soldier who had deserted in 1864.

Charles W. Anderson was born on March 15, 1844, at Baltimore, Maryland. During the service relevant to this record, he served as Private with 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry.

On March 2, 1865, at Waynesboro, Virginia, Serving under the Anderson alias with the 1st New York Cavalry, he captured an unidentified Confederate flag at Waynesboro. The Medal of Honor was presented only weeks later.

Medal of Honor Citation

Capture of unknown Confederate flag.

After the Civil War, Anderson served another twelve years in the Regular Army and later settled near Staunton, Virginia. He died on February 25, 1916, at Staunton and was buried in Thornrose Cemetery.