Charles Wellington Reed

Chief Bugler Charles Wellington Reed combined extraordinary courage on the battlefield with remarkable artistic talent that preserved the story of the American Civil War for future generations. Best known for rescuing his wounded commander under intense enemy fire at the Battle of Gettysburg, Reed earned the Medal of Honor for an act of selfless bravery that became one of the most celebrated individual actions of the war. Beyond his military service, his sketches and paintings created an invaluable visual record of the soldiers and battles that shaped American history.

Charles Wellington Reed was born on 11 February 1841 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he answered the Union's call to arms and enlisted in the 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery in August 1862. Serving initially as a bugler and later as Chief Bugler, Reed accompanied the battery through many of the war's most significant campaigns, including Gettysburg, the Mine Run Campaign, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, the Siege of Petersburg, and operations along the Weldon Railroad.

Reed's finest hour came on 2 July 1863 during the fierce fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. As Confederate forces launched powerful attacks against Union positions near the Trostle Farm, Captain John Bigelow, commander of the 9th Massachusetts Battery, was seriously wounded while directing his men. With the battlefield swept by enemy fire, Reed mounted his horse, secured another horse for his wounded commander, and succeeded in leading Captain Bigelow to safety. His calm determination and complete disregard for his own safety saved the life of his commanding officer during one of the battle's most desperate moments.

For this extraordinary act of heroism, Reed was awarded the Medal of Honor on 16 August 1895, more than thirty years after the Battle of Gettysburg. His official citation recognized his conspicuous gallantry in rescuing his wounded commander under heavy enemy fire, ensuring that his courage would be permanently remembered among the nation's highest examples of military valor.

Throughout the remainder of the war, Reed continued to serve with distinction, later performing duties as an assistant topographical engineer. His remarkable artistic ability allowed him to sketch military camps, soldiers, landscapes, and battlefield scenes directly from life. These works became some of the most important visual records created by a Union soldier and today form part of the extensive Charles Wellington Reed Collection preserved by the Library of Congress. His Civil War service also qualified him for the Civil War Campaign Medal, which was established after the war to recognize honorable Union service during the conflict.

After returning to civilian life, Reed devoted much of his time to painting and illustrating scenes from the Civil War, helping preserve the experiences of the soldiers who fought to preserve the Union. His artwork remains an invaluable historical resource, offering historians and the public a firsthand perspective on the daily life and hardships of the Union Army.

Charles Wellington Reed died on 23 December 1926 and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Remembered as both a courageous soldier and a gifted artist, he left behind a legacy that united battlefield heroism with historical preservation. His Medal of Honor and his enduring artistic contributions continue to ensure that the sacrifices and experiences of the Civil War are remembered by future generations.