Henry Capehart

Henry Capehart was a surgeon and officer in the U.S. Cavalry during the American Civil War. He began his military career as the original surgeon for the 1st West Virginia Cavalry Regiment, known then as the 1st Loyal Virginia Cavalry. The regiment consisted mostly of soldiers from Ohio, with most of its fighting occurring in Virginia and what is now West Virginia.

He was promoted to colonel of the regiment with a commission date of December 23, 1863. Capehart subsequently became a brigade commander, and his veteran soldiers became known as "Capehart's Fighting Brigade."

Capehart received the Medal of Honor for saving the life of a drowning soldier while under fire at Greenbrier River, West Virginia, on May 22, 1864. Throughout his Civil War service, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, transitioning from medical officer to highly respected cavalry commander.