William J. Carson (Medal of Honor)
Encyclopedia
William J. Carson was a United States Army
soldier and recipient of the United States military's highest decoration - the Medal of Honor
- for his actions in the United States Civil War.
, Georgia
, on September 19 & 20, 1863. On the first day of that action, at a critical stage in the battle when the XIV Corps lines were wavering and in disorder, on his own initiative, Musician Carson bugled "To the Colors" amid the 18th US Infantry who formed by him, and held back the enemy. Within a few minutes he repeated his action amid the wavering 2nd Ohio Infantry
. This bugling deceived the enemy who believed reinforcements had arrived. Thus, they delayed their attack.
Comrade Carson, so well known to the survivors of the Regular Brigade, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., August 30, 1840. In 1845 his parents moved to Washington County, Ohio
, and in 1852 again removed to Logan County, Ohio
, near Bellefontaine
, the county seat. He worked on the farm in spring, summer, and early autumn, and attended the district school in winter, and here he was at the outbreak of the rebellion. Mr. Carson enlisted September 2, 1861, in the 15th U. S. Infantry, and was assigned to Company "E", 1st Battalion, Captain Henry Keteltas commanding.
He participated with the regiment in all of its battles, from Pittsburgh Landing, April 7, 1862, to Chickamauga, Ga.
, September 20, 1863, where he was captured by the enemy. He was taken to Richmond, Va., where he was confined in Pemberton prison, was sick all of the three months that he was held as a prisoner, and when released, his weight was but 64 pounds. He is said to have been in the worst condition of any soldier that ever came to Annapolis, Md.
While in the service comrade Carson was a bugler, and carries a record of which he may well be proud. His army service is of the clean and bright order, prompt, ready and willing to do whatsoever or whenever duty called. It is very seldom that one sees such high testimonials as our comrade has in his possession, not only from his officers, but the government has highly honored him by presenting him with the Medal of Honor
for his distinguished services at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 19 and 20, 1863.
Here is what some of the officers of the 15th Infantry say of him:
"Private Carson, 15th Infantry, was under my command for some time. In the field proved himself to be a faithful, trustworthy soldier. He particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Stone River, Tenn., where he behaved with great gallantry."
F. D. Ogilby, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 15th Infantry.
Fort Adams, R. I., September 2, 1864.
"During about eighteen months' service in the field I had abundant opportunity to observe the gallant conduct of Private Carson, and I take great pleasure in indorsing the above."
James Y. Semple, First Lieutenant, 15th Infantry
WILLIAM J. CARSON
Vice-President Association Survivors Regular Brigade
Washington, D. C, September 3, 1864
"It gives me much pleasure to recommend William J. Carson, an old member of my company.
Carson is a most gallant soldier, was mentioned in orders for his conduct at Chickamauga, is thoroughly reliable, honest, Sober and intelligent."
Henry Keteltas, Captain 15th Infantry.
442 Forty-first Street, Chicago, Ill.,
"To all whom it may concern: I have known W. J. Carson, of Muncie, Ind., late bugler of Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, since 1862, as a citizen, perfectly upright, honest and worthy of the highest esteem from all.
As a soldier his standing was perfect: his name was a synonym of bravery, and his patriotism of the highest order. In battle he was apparently lost to fear, and his every action heroic. His acts of heroism on the 20th of September, 1863, that came under my personal observation, I believe are without a parallel of individual bravery of that memorable battle. He with his bugle made it possible for us to check a most disastrous retreat. We were able through the assistance of Carson to rally over 2500 of our division and retake the position we had lost, which was then held by us until night. W. J. Carson, along with 1900 of us, after being completely surrounded by the enemy, and out of all ammunition, were captured at 6:30 P. M. on the original line of battle, the entire army, at that time, having retired several miles toward Chattanooga. He was as brave a man as ever wore the blue, and I deem it a great privilege and honor to be remembered among his friends and acquaintances. As to his simple request, asking the Government to award him the Medal of Honor for gallantry and heroism, I am sure no more patriotic or gallant breast ever merited the distinguishing mark of bravery from the U. S. Government than that of W. J. Carson."
W. G. Galloway, Lite Captain 15th U. S. Infantry.
OFFICE COMMISSARY OF MUSTERS, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., October 19, 1863.
"COLONEL: At the request of Major-General Rosecrans, I have the honor to make the following report of Private William J. Carson, bugler in the First Battalion, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry;
On Saturday, September 19, when the regular brigade was falling back, he behaved with most conspicuous gallantry; with a sword in one hand and his bugle in the other, he sounded constantly the "Halt," the "Rally," and the "Forward;" espying a stand of colors belonging to the Eighteenth U. S. Infantry, he rushed up to them and sounded "To the color." His conduct attracted the notice and elicited the admiration of the whole brigade. On Sunday, September 20, before our battalion was engaged, the Eighteenth, being pressed by vastly superior numbers, was falling back; Carson by some means became the possessor of a musket and constituted himself a "provost guard." One of the officers attempted to pass him, but he positively refused to allow it, stating that it was against his orders. All this time he continued to sound the various calls on his bugle. I regret to state that his fate remains a mystery; he was last seen by me late on Sunday afternoon behind the breastworks. I can only hope that he is a prisoner.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALBERT B. DOD,
Captain 15th U. S. Infty., Comdg. Batt. at Chickamauga."
"Comrade Carson is a member of Williams Post G.A.R., "Department of Indiana", and at its meeting blows the calls which rallied the Regulars on the bloody field of Chickamauga. He is the proud head of an intelligent and devoted family, to whom he will leave a good name and this imperishable record of gallant service to his country.
Col. C. Goddard,
Battle of Chickamauga
Assistant Adjutant General"
Carson, aged 73 at his death in Muncie, Indiana
, was buried at Beech Grove Cemetery in Beech Grove, Indiana
.
Private Carson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
soldier and recipient of the United States military's highest decoration - the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
- for his actions in the United States Civil War.
Biography
Musician William Carson was one of nine soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Battle of ChickamaugaBattle of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga, fought September 19–20, 1863, marked the end of a Union offensive in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia called the Chickamauga Campaign...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, on September 19 & 20, 1863. On the first day of that action, at a critical stage in the battle when the XIV Corps lines were wavering and in disorder, on his own initiative, Musician Carson bugled "To the Colors" amid the 18th US Infantry who formed by him, and held back the enemy. Within a few minutes he repeated his action amid the wavering 2nd Ohio Infantry
2nd Ohio Infantry
The 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Three-months regiment:...
. This bugling deceived the enemy who believed reinforcements had arrived. Thus, they delayed their attack.
Comrade Carson, so well known to the survivors of the Regular Brigade, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., August 30, 1840. In 1845 his parents moved to Washington County, Ohio
Washington County, Ohio
Washington County is a county located in the state of Ohio. As of the 2010 census, the population was 61,778. Its county seat is Marietta. The county, the oldest in the state, is named for George Washington. Washington County is included in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, West Virginia-Ohio...
, and in 1852 again removed to Logan County, Ohio
Logan County, Ohio
Logan County is a county in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 45,858. The county seat is Bellefontaine. The county is named for Benjamin Logan, who fought Native Americans in the area....
, near Bellefontaine
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Bellefontaine is a city in and the county seat of Logan County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,069 at the 2000 census. It is the center of the Bellefontaine Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau in 2003...
, the county seat. He worked on the farm in spring, summer, and early autumn, and attended the district school in winter, and here he was at the outbreak of the rebellion. Mr. Carson enlisted September 2, 1861, in the 15th U. S. Infantry, and was assigned to Company "E", 1st Battalion, Captain Henry Keteltas commanding.
He participated with the regiment in all of its battles, from Pittsburgh Landing, April 7, 1862, to Chickamauga, Ga.
Battle of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga, fought September 19–20, 1863, marked the end of a Union offensive in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia called the Chickamauga Campaign...
, September 20, 1863, where he was captured by the enemy. He was taken to Richmond, Va., where he was confined in Pemberton prison, was sick all of the three months that he was held as a prisoner, and when released, his weight was but 64 pounds. He is said to have been in the worst condition of any soldier that ever came to Annapolis, Md.
While in the service comrade Carson was a bugler, and carries a record of which he may well be proud. His army service is of the clean and bright order, prompt, ready and willing to do whatsoever or whenever duty called. It is very seldom that one sees such high testimonials as our comrade has in his possession, not only from his officers, but the government has highly honored him by presenting him with the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his distinguished services at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 19 and 20, 1863.
"Private Carson, 15th Infantry, was under my command for some time. In the field proved himself to be a faithful, trustworthy soldier. He particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Stone River, Tenn., where he behaved with great gallantry."
F. D. Ogilby, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 15th Infantry.
Fort Adams, R. I., September 2, 1864.
"During about eighteen months' service in the field I had abundant opportunity to observe the gallant conduct of Private Carson, and I take great pleasure in indorsing the above."
James Y. Semple, First Lieutenant, 15th Infantry
WILLIAM J. CARSON
Vice-President Association Survivors Regular Brigade
Washington, D. C, September 3, 1864
"It gives me much pleasure to recommend William J. Carson, an old member of my company.
Carson is a most gallant soldier, was mentioned in orders for his conduct at Chickamauga, is thoroughly reliable, honest, Sober and intelligent."
Henry Keteltas, Captain 15th Infantry.
442 Forty-first Street, Chicago, Ill.,
"To all whom it may concern: I have known W. J. Carson, of Muncie, Ind., late bugler of Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, since 1862, as a citizen, perfectly upright, honest and worthy of the highest esteem from all.
As a soldier his standing was perfect: his name was a synonym of bravery, and his patriotism of the highest order. In battle he was apparently lost to fear, and his every action heroic. His acts of heroism on the 20th of September, 1863, that came under my personal observation, I believe are without a parallel of individual bravery of that memorable battle. He with his bugle made it possible for us to check a most disastrous retreat. We were able through the assistance of Carson to rally over 2500 of our division and retake the position we had lost, which was then held by us until night. W. J. Carson, along with 1900 of us, after being completely surrounded by the enemy, and out of all ammunition, were captured at 6:30 P. M. on the original line of battle, the entire army, at that time, having retired several miles toward Chattanooga. He was as brave a man as ever wore the blue, and I deem it a great privilege and honor to be remembered among his friends and acquaintances. As to his simple request, asking the Government to award him the Medal of Honor for gallantry and heroism, I am sure no more patriotic or gallant breast ever merited the distinguishing mark of bravery from the U. S. Government than that of W. J. Carson."
W. G. Galloway, Lite Captain 15th U. S. Infantry.
OFFICE COMMISSARY OF MUSTERS, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., October 19, 1863.
"COLONEL: At the request of Major-General Rosecrans, I have the honor to make the following report of Private William J. Carson, bugler in the First Battalion, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry;
On Saturday, September 19, when the regular brigade was falling back, he behaved with most conspicuous gallantry; with a sword in one hand and his bugle in the other, he sounded constantly the "Halt," the "Rally," and the "Forward;" espying a stand of colors belonging to the Eighteenth U. S. Infantry, he rushed up to them and sounded "To the color." His conduct attracted the notice and elicited the admiration of the whole brigade. On Sunday, September 20, before our battalion was engaged, the Eighteenth, being pressed by vastly superior numbers, was falling back; Carson by some means became the possessor of a musket and constituted himself a "provost guard." One of the officers attempted to pass him, but he positively refused to allow it, stating that it was against his orders. All this time he continued to sound the various calls on his bugle. I regret to state that his fate remains a mystery; he was last seen by me late on Sunday afternoon behind the breastworks. I can only hope that he is a prisoner.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALBERT B. DOD,
Captain 15th U. S. Infty., Comdg. Batt. at Chickamauga."
"Comrade Carson is a member of Williams Post G.A.R., "Department of Indiana", and at its meeting blows the calls which rallied the Regulars on the bloody field of Chickamauga. He is the proud head of an intelligent and devoted family, to whom he will leave a good name and this imperishable record of gallant service to his country.
Col. C. Goddard,
Battle of Chickamauga
Assistant Adjutant General"
Carson, aged 73 at his death in Muncie, Indiana
Muncie, Indiana
Muncie is a city in Center Township, Delaware County in east central Indiana, best known as the home of Ball State University and the birthplace of the Ball Corporation. It is the principal city of the Muncie, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 118,769...
, was buried at Beech Grove Cemetery in Beech Grove, Indiana
Beech Grove, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,880 people, 6,085 households, and 3,839 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,462.5 people per square mile . There were 6,506 housing units at an average density of 1,513.9 per square mile...
.
Medal of Honor citation
"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Musician William J. Carson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 19 September 1863, while serving with Company E, 15th U.S. Infantry, in action at Chickamauga, Georgia. At a critical stage in the battle when the 14th Corps lines were wavering and in disorder, Musician Carson, on his own initiative bugled "to the colors" amid the 18th U.S. Infantry who formed by him, and held the enemy. Within a few minutes he repeated his action amid the wavering 2d Ohio Infantry. This bugling deceived the enemy who believed reinforcements had arrived. Thus, they delayed their attack."
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients