Martin Wambsgan

Sprang forward to save the regimental colors from the enemy

Martin Wambsgan saved his regiment's colors at Cedar Creek while Confederate troops were close at hand. Born in Bavaria on August 19, 1839, he served as a private in Company D, 90th New York Infantry and later reached the rank of sergeant.

During the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, the regiment's color bearer fell. With the enemy nearby, Wambsgan sprang forward, secured the colors, and carried them safely away. He received the Medal of Honor on November 3, 1896.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): With the enemy in close proximity, moved forward after the color bearer fell and carried the regimental colors to safety.

CMOHS records that Wambsgan died on May 3, 1911, at Baldwinsville, New York, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse. Some secondary references give a different 1911 death date; this biography follows CMOHS.