Nathan H. Edgerton
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| Nathan H. Edgerton | |
|---|---|
| August 28, 1839 – October 27, 1932 (aged 93) | |
 Nathan H. Edgerton, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Place of birth | Barnesville, Ohio |
| Place of death | Agness, Oregon |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Service/branch | Union Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Commands held | 6th United States Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War -Battle of New Market Heights |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Nathan Huntley Edgerton (August 28, 1839 - October 27, 1932) was a Union Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in the American Civil War.
Lt. Edgerton was a white infantry officer and the adjutant of the 6th United States Colored Troops. In the early morning of September 29, 1864 his regiment advanced against the Confederate line at the Battle of New Market Heights in Virginia.
The Rebs held their fire until the Black soldiers were within 150 yards then unleashed a deadly volley of lead. One Union flag bearer was shot down, then another, then a third. Lt. Edgerton, despite being wounded himself, lifted up the flag and advanced it with his regiment until the Confederates retreated. For his conspicuous act of bravery, Nathan Huntley Edgerton was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He received his Medal on March 30, 1898. A native of Ohio, Edgerton later moved to Oregon where he died at the age of 93. He is buried on his farm in Agness, Oregon.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Lieutenant and Adjutant, 6th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Birth: ------. Date of issue: 30 March 1898.
Citation:
- Took up the flag after 3 color bearers had been shot down and bore it forward, though himself wounded.
