Lewis J. Ingalls

Lewis J. Ingalls was a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War who served as a Private. He is distinguished for his heroic actions during a critical engagement at Boutte Station, Louisiana, where his quick thinking and bravery saved numerous fellow soldiers.

During the encounter, a railroad train carrying approximately 60 guards on flat cars was sidetracked due to a misplaced switch, leading them directly into an ambush by a force of guerrillas. The unprotected guards were rapidly being shot down by the enemy. Under severe enemy fire and despite being wounded, Private Ingalls ran to another switch and opened it, allowing the train and the surviving guards to escape the ambush.

For his gallantry and decisive actions under fire, Private Ingalls was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration for valor.