Daniel Tweed Ferrier

Giving up his horse to save a commander from capture

Born in Indiana on 26 November 1841, Daniel Tweed Ferrier served in the 2nd Indiana Cavalry during the American Civil War.

Ferrier earned the Medal of Honor at Varnells Station, Georgia, on 9 May 1864. A sergeant in Company K, 2nd Indiana Cavalry, he gave his horse to his brigade commander during a retreat after the officer was unhorsed. That decision enabled the commander to rejoin and rally the disorganized troops. Ferrier was captured and held in Confederate prisons. He later escaped and, after considerable hardship, returned to Union lines. His award recognizes a sacrifice that preserved his commander’s ability to lead.

Ferrier received the Medal of Honor on 30 March 1898 and attained the rank of quartermaster sergeant. He died in Camden, Indiana, on 18 March 1914 and was buried in Nebo Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

While his regiment was retreating, voluntarily gave up his horse to his brigade commander who had been unhorsed and was in danger of capture, thereby enabling him to rejoin and rally the disorganized troops. Sgt. Ferrier himself was captured and confined in Confederate prisons, from which he escaped and, after great hardship, rejoined the Union lines.