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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

William John — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Service Era: American Civil War, Siege of Vicksburg
Medals Recorded: 2

William John

Private, U.S. Army

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American Civil WarSiege of Vicksburg

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862-1895 Army
Civil War Campaign Medal 1862–1895 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

William F. John was one of the soldiers who volunteered to go forward in the storming party during the costly Union assault at Vicksburg on 22 May 1863.

Born on 25 October 1844 in Germany, John served as a private in Company E, 37th Ohio Infantry. At Vicksburg, he joined the volunteer storming party that preceded the main assault against the Confederate defenses. His conduct in that exposed advance was later recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Vicksburg on 22 May 1863, John displayed gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party.

The Medal of Honor was presented on 14 July 1894. John died on 29 August 1927 and was buried in Prattsburg Cemetery at Macksville, Kansas.

His verified rack consists of the Medal of Honor and the Army Civil War Campaign Medal, with no ribbon device supported.

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