Wilson Smith

Taking charge of an artillery gun to repel an attack

Wilson Smith served as an Army corporal in Battery H, 3d New York Light Artillery. On 6 September 1862, at Washington, North Carolina, the lieutenant responsible for a gun disappeared during the fighting. Smith took command and fired it rapidly and effectively against the attackers. The struggle became close enough for hand-to-hand fighting over the weapon, but the enemy was repelled. His Medal of Honor recognized his decision to assume responsibility and keep the gun in action during the Civil War. He later held the rank of sergeant.

Medal of Honor citation

Took command of a gun (the lieutenant in charge having disappeared) and fired the same so rapidly and effectively that the enemy was repulsed, although for a time a hand-to-hand conflict was had over the gun.