Benjamin F. Hardaway
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Franklin Hardaway (July 17, 1865-July 9, 1955) was a First Lieutenant
serving in the United States Army
during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor
for bravery.
and after entering the army as a private worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant
while in Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry
. On July 31, 1891 he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant
and then to first lieutenant
April 26, 1898 before being sent to fight in the Spanish–American War with the 17th U.S. Infantry. While his unit was fighting at El Caney, Cuba
July 1, 1898 he received the Medal of Honor
for assisting in the rescue of wounded while under heavy fire from the enemy. He received his medal on June 21, 1899. He remained in the army after the war and was promoted to the rank of captain February 2, 1901 and eventually achieved the rank of colonel
before his death.
He died July 9, 1955 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia July 15, 1955. His grave can be found in section 2, lot 1044-1.
Citation:
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
serving in the United States Army
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...
during the Spanish–American War who received 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 bravery.
Biography
Hardaway was born July 17, 1865 in Benleyville, KentuckyKentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
and after entering the army as a private worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
while in Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry
17th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 17th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry regiment. While the 17th Infantry Regiment was organized on January 11, 1812, it was consolidated with the 3rd Infantry due to extremely heavy losses at Frenchtown, and lost its identity two years later until May 3, 1861, when it was...
. On July 31, 1891 he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
and then to first lieutenant
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
April 26, 1898 before being sent to fight in the Spanish–American War with the 17th U.S. Infantry. While his unit was fighting at El Caney, Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
July 1, 1898 he received 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 assisting in the rescue of wounded while under heavy fire from the enemy. He received his medal on June 21, 1899. He remained in the army after the war and was promoted to the rank of captain February 2, 1901 and eventually achieved the rank of colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
before his death.
He died July 9, 1955 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
Arlington, Virginia July 15, 1955. His grave can be found in section 2, lot 1044-1.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 17th U .S. Infantry. Place and date: At El Caney, Cuba, 1 July 1898. Entered service at:______. Birth: Benleyville, Ky. Date of issue: 21 June 1899.Citation:
Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War