Luigi Palma di Cesnola

Luigi Palma di Cesnola was an Italian-American soldier, diplomat, and amateur archaeologist who served with distinction during the American Civil War. Born in Rivarolo Canavese, Italy, he received military training in Europe and served in the Sardinian Army before emigrating to the United States. Following the outbreak of the American Civil War, he joined the Union Army, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel in the 4th New York Cavalry.

During his Civil War service, Cesnola displayed exceptional bravery on the battlefield, most notably at the Battle of Aldie in Virginia. His gallantry during this engagement earned him the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. After being captured by Confederate forces, he was held as a prisoner of war for several months before being exchanged.

Following his military service, Cesnola transitioned to a career in diplomacy and the arts. He served as the United States consul at Larnaca in Cyprus from 1865 to 1877, where he conducted extensive archaeological excavations. He later returned to the United States and became the first Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, serving from 1879 until his death in 1904.