Thomas McCoy Wells

He seized the rebel flag in the fierce storm of Cedar Creek!

At Cedar Creek on 19 October 1864, Thomas McCoy Wells was serving as Chief Bugler with the 6th New York Cavalry when he captured the colors of the Confederate 44th Georgia Infantry. The captured flag brought him the Medal of Honor before the war had ended.

Wells was born in Ireland in 1841. He served with the 6th New York Cavalry during the Civil War. Although the source export records his later rank of First Lieutenant, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society identifies his rank at the time of the Cedar Creek action as Chief Bugler.

The Battle of Cedar Creek began with a Confederate surprise attack but ended in a Union counterattack that broke the opposing force. During the fighting, Wells captured the colors of the 44th Georgia Infantry.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

At Cedar Creek on 19 October 1864, Wells captured the flag of the Confederate 44th Georgia Infantry.

The Medal of Honor was presented on 26 October 1864. Wells later held the rank of First Lieutenant. He died on 5 February 1901 in Canton, New York, and was buried in East DeKalb Cemetery at DeKalb Junction. His qualifying Army service supports the Civil War Campaign Medal. No additional ribbon device is established.