Martin Wambsgan (August 19, 1839 – January 17, 1911) was a German born Union Army soldier during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Battle of Cedar Creek fought near Middletown, Virginia on October 19, 1864. The battle was the decisive engagement of Major General Philip Sheridan's Valley Campaigns of 1864 and was the largest battle fought in the Shenandoah Valley.

Martin Wambsgan
Born(1839-08-19)August 19, 1839
Nußdorf, Kingdom of Bavaria
DiedJanuary 17, 1911(1911-01-17) (aged 71)
New York, US
Place of burial
Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse, New York
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Union Army
Years of service1861 - 1866
RankSergeant
Unit90th New York Infantry Regiment
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Wambsgan enlisted in the Union Army at Clyde, New York in October 1861. He re-enlisted in February 1864, and mustered out with his regiment in early 1866.[1]

He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery (Syracuse, NY), Section 21, Plot 97.

Medal of Honor citation

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"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Martin Wambsgan, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 19 October 1864, while serving with Company D, 90th New York Infantry, in action at Cedar Creek, Virginia. While the enemy were in close proximity, Private Wambsgan sprang forward and bore off in safety the regimental colors, the Color Bearer having fallen on the field of battle."[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  • "Martin Wambsgan". Hall of Valor. Military Times.
  • Martin Wambsgan grave at Woodlawn Cemetery (Syracuse, New York)