Samuel P. Kenyon

Young trooper tore a rebel flag away in Lee's final retreat!

Samuel P. Kenyon captured a Confederate battle flag during the collapse of the Army of Northern Virginia's retreat. A private in Company B, 24th New York Cavalry, he fought at Deatonsville, Virginia, on 6 April 1865 during the running battles associated with Sailor's Creek.

Kenyon seized an enemy flag in the fighting, an act that brought him the Medal of Honor only weeks later.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

For capturing a Confederate battle flag at Deatonsville, Virginia, on 6 April 1865.

Kenyon was born in 1846 at Ira, New York. He later attained the rank of quartermaster sergeant. He died on 14 June 1884 at Cullen, New York, and was buried in Lakeview Cemetery at Richfield Springs.