Orlando E. Caruana

Private Orlando Emanuel Caruana was a Maltese-American soldier who fought with the United States Army during the American Civil War. He was born in Malta and later immigrated to the United States, where he enlisted to serve his adopted country during its greatest internal conflict.

Caruana distinguished himself through conspicuous bravery in two separate engagements of the Civil War. His first notable action occurred during the Battle of New Bern in North Carolina on March 14, 1862. Later that same year, on September 14, 1862, he again demonstrated heroic conduct during the Battle of South Mountain in Maryland.

For his gallantry in these actions, Caruana was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for bravery. The medal was officially issued to him on November 14, 1890, recognizing his vital contributions and courage under fire nearly three decades after his service.