Harlan J. Swift

Taking four prisoners alone at Petersburg

Harlan J. Swift was born on October 2, 1843, in New Hudson, New York. He served as a second lieutenant in Company H, 2nd New York Mounted Rifles, during the American Civil War.

On July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Virginia, Swift advanced with his regiment and helped capture an enemy line. He then saw four opposing soldiers withdrawing toward another line of fortifications. Swift approached them alone, compelled their surrender and returned to his regiment with the prisoners.

He received the Medal of Honor on July 20, 1897, and attained captain during his military service. Swift died on October 6, 1910, in Lake View, New York, and is buried at Cuba Cemetery. His award commemorates initiative during the fighting at Petersburg.

Medal of Honor Citation

Having advanced with his regiment and captured the enemy's line, saw four of the enemy retiring toward their second line of works. He advanced upon them alone, compelled their surrender and regained his regiment with the four prisoners.