Joseph Lonsway Explained

Joseph Lonsway
Birth Date:17 March 1844
Birth Place:Clayton, New York
Placeofburial Label:Place of burial
Allegiance:United States of America
Union
Branch:United States Army
Union Army
Serviceyears:1863 - 1865
Rank:Private
Unit: Company D, 20th New York Cavalry
Battles:American Civil War
Awards:Medal of Honor

Joseph Lonsway (March 17, 1844  - January 22, 1925) was a Private in the Union Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the American Civil War.

Lonsway enlisted in the Army from Sackett's Harbor, New York in October 1863, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. [1]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 20th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Murfrees Station, Va., October 16, 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Clayton, N.Y. Date of issue: Unknown.

Citation:

Volunteered to swim Blackwater River to get a large flat used as a ferry on other side; succeeded in getting the boat safely across, making it possible for a detachment to cross the river and take possession of the enemy's breastworks.

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/cavalry/20thCavCW_Roster.pdf Regimental roster