William Ludgate

William Ludgate helped save a bridge from destruction at Farmville only two days before the surrender at Appomattox, rallying a small force and advancing before the enemy could burn it.

Born on 11 March 1836 in London, England, Ludgate served as captain of Company G, 59th New York Veteran Infantry and later held the brevet rank of major. On 7 April 1865 at Farmville, Virginia, he rallied his men and advanced with a small detachment to secure a bridge that Confederate troops were preparing to fire.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Farmville, Ludgate promptly rallied his men and advanced with a small detachment to save a bridge the enemy was about to burn.

The Medal of Honor was presented on 10 August 1889. Ludgate died in Washington, D.C., on 14 June 1912 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, grave 1488.

His verified rack consists of the Medal of Honor and the Army Civil War Campaign Medal. No ribbon device is supported.