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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 Shepherd — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Service Era: Battle of Sailor's Creek
Medals Recorded: 2

William Shepherd

Sergeant, U.S. Army

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Battle of Sailor's Creek

Awards & Decorations

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

Ribbon Rack

Biography

William Shepherd was a sergeant in the United States Army who served during the American Civil War. He was awarded the nation's highest military decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his outstanding gallantry on the battlefield.

On 6 April 1865, Shepherd performed the actions that would earn him the medal during the Battle of Sailor's Creek in Virginia. His bravery during this significant engagement of the Appomattox Campaign was officially recognized shortly after the event.

Sergeant Shepherd was formally presented with the Medal of Honor on 3 May 1865, marking him as one of the distinguished soldiers honored for their courage during the final weeks of the American Civil War.

Verified service: 3d Indiana Cavalry, Company A. At Sailor’s Creek on 6 April 1865, he captured a Confederate flag. Born in Dillsboro, Indiana, in 1837; died there on 19 March 1899; buried at Conaway Family Cemetery.

Sources: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/william-shepherd

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