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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Martin Schwenk — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Service Era: American Civil War, Battle of Gettysburg
Medals Recorded: 1

Martin Schwenk

Sergeant, U.S. Army

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American Civil WarBattle of Gettysburg

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862-1895 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Carried a message through enemy lines, rescuing an officer.

Martin Schwenk, also recorded as George Martin, served as a sergeant in Company B, 6th U.S. Cavalry during the Gettysburg campaign. Born in Baden, Germany, on April 28, 1839, he entered U.S. service from Boston.

In July 1863 near Millerstown, Pennsylvania, Schwenk attempted to carry an important communication through enemy lines and also rescued an officer from Confederate hands. For that combination of courage and initiative he received the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1889.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): Displayed bravery while attempting to carry a message through enemy lines and rescued an officer from the enemy.

Schwenk died on June 20, 1924, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. CMOHS records the alias George Martin; no separate medal or device is supported by that alternate identity.

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