Samuel S. French

Wounded at Fair Oaks, he fought on until he fell senseless!

Samuel S. French kept fighting at Fair Oaks after he had been wounded, remaining in the line until blood loss finally made further action impossible. A private in Company E, 7th Michigan Infantry, he fought in the battle on 31 May 1862.

French refused to leave the fight when first wounded. He continued to fire and serve with his company until he fainted from loss of blood. His determination under fire was later recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

Although wounded at Fair Oaks, French continued fighting until he fainted from loss of blood.

French was born in Erie County, New York, on 23 April 1841. He died on 17 February 1913 at Gilford, Michigan, and was buried in Gilford Township Cemetery.