William R. Richardson

William R. Richardson turned an escape from capture into useful battlefield intelligence during the last week of the Civil War in Virginia.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1842, Richardson served as a private in Company A, 2nd Ohio Cavalry. On 6 April 1865, during the fighting around Deatonsville and Sailor's Creek, he escaped from Confederate custody and reached Union lines with important information about the enemy's position.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): On 6 April 1865 near Deatonsville and Sailor's Creek, Richardson escaped capture and provided important information concerning the Confederate position.

His Medal of Honor was presented on 7 April 1866. Richardson died on 24 October 1873 and was buried in City Cemetery at Massillon, Ohio.

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.