William R. D. Blackwood

Surgeon William Robert Douglas Blackwood repeatedly went forward under fire at Petersburg to bring wounded officers and soldiers back from the battlefield.

Born on 12 May 1838 in Hollywood, County Wicklow, Ireland, Blackwood emigrated to the United States and studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving his medical degree in 1862. He served first as a medical cadet and assistant surgeon, then became surgeon of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. His regiment served through major campaigns including Petersburg.

On 2 April 1865, during the final Union assault at Petersburg, Blackwood exposed himself to enemy fire while removing severely wounded men from the field.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Petersburg on 2 April 1865, Blackwood repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to remove severely wounded officers and soldiers from the battlefield.

His Medal of Honor was presented on 21 July 1897. Blackwood continued a medical career in Philadelphia after the war. He died there on 26 April 1922. His remains were cremated at Chelten Hills; the surviving record does not establish a conventional gravesite.

His verified rack consists of the Medal of Honor and the Army Civil War Campaign Medal. No clasp, service star, or other ribbon device is supported.