Daniel Peter Reigle

In the closing months of the American Civil War, Sergeant Daniel Peter Reigle displayed the courage that defined the Union Army's greatest heroes. During the decisive Battle of Cedar Creek, he charged into intense enemy fire and captured a Confederate battle flag at the height of the fighting. His fearless actions earned him the Medal of Honor and secured his place among the distinguished soldiers whose bravery helped preserve the United States.

Daniel Peter Reigle was born on 4 October 1841 in Pennsylvania. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company F, 87th Pennsylvania Infantry, where he served with distinction throughout the conflict. His regiment fought in many of the Eastern Theater's major campaigns, enduring some of the war's hardest fighting as part of the Union Army's efforts to defeat the Confederate forces.

Reigle's defining act of heroism took place on 19 October 1864 during the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia. Serving as a corporal at the time, he advanced under heavy enemy fire during the Union counterattack and captured a Confederate battle flag at the stone wall where the opposing forces made their final stand. Seizing an enemy color was considered one of the most dangerous and prestigious acts a soldier could perform, as the flag served as the rallying point for defending troops and was heavily protected. Reigle's extraordinary bravery contributed to the Union victory in one of the final major battles of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

For his conspicuous gallantry, Daniel Peter Reigle was awarded the Medal of Honor on 26 October 1864. His official citation simply records his heroic achievement: "Capture of flag at the stone wall where the enemy's last stand was made." Although he earned the Medal of Honor as a corporal, he later attained the rank of sergeant, the highest rank he held during his military career.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Reigle was entitled to the Civil War Campaign Medal following its establishment in 1907, recognizing his faithful service in the Union Army from 1861 to 1865. Together, these honours commemorate both his extraordinary heroism at Cedar Creek and his dedicated service throughout the Civil War.

After returning to civilian life, Reigle remained proud of his military service and the sacrifices made by his generation to preserve the Union. He lived to see the nation honor Civil War veterans through the creation of the Civil War Campaign Medal, a fitting recognition for those who had fought to defend the United States.

Sergeant Daniel Peter Reigle died on 21 June 1917 and was buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is preserved at Gettysburg National Military Park, ensuring that his remarkable courage continues to inspire future generations. Remembered for his fearless leadership and devotion to duty, Daniel Peter Reigle remains one of the Union Army's distinguished Medal of Honor recipients and a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.