George W. Schmal

Capturing a flag at Paine's Crossroads

George William Schmal, also known as William Schmal, was born in Germany in 1849. He served as a blacksmith in Company M, 24th New York Cavalry, during the American Civil War. His service in that regiment ran from December 1863 to June 1865.

On April 5, 1865, at Paine's Crossroads, Virginia, Schmal captured a flag. His brief Medal of Honor citation records that achievement. He received the award on May 3, 1865.

Schmal died on May 23, 1898, in Stockton, California. Originally buried at the Stockton State Hospital Cemetery, his remains were later transferred to Stockton Rural Cemetery. Historical research distinguished him from a similarly named veteran buried in Buffalo, clarifying the recipient's identity and resting place.

Medal of Honor Citation

Capture of flag.