Frederick N. Deland

Filled an obstacle ditch under fire at Port Hudson

Frederick Nelson Deland was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, on 25 December 1843. He served as a private in Company B, 49th Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War.

At Port Hudson, Louisiana, on 27 May 1863, Deland volunteered to help clear an obstacle for an assault on Confederate defenses. Under heavy enemy fire, he advanced and assisted in filling a ditch with fascines, bundles used to help troops cross. His Medal of Honor citation recognized that hazardous work.

Deland received the medal on 22 June 1896, with his award accredited to Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He died in Pittsfield on 23 August 1922 and is buried in Mahaiwe Cemetery in Great Barrington.

His citation preserves the infantry private's effort to open a route for the attacking troops.

Medal of Honor citation

Volunteered in response to a call and, under a heavy fire from the enemy, advanced and assisted in filling with fascines a ditch which presented a serious obstacle to the troops attempting to take the works of the enemy by assault.