George Crawford Platt
Encyclopedia
George Crawford Platt was a Medal of Honor
recipient in the American Civil War
.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Private in Troop H, 6th US Cavalry for action on July 3, 1863 at Fairfield, Pennsylvania
, near Gettysburg
. His citation reads "Seized the regimental flag upon the death of the standard bearer in a hand-to-hand fight and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy."
He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pennsylvania
.
(formerly known as the Penrose Avenue Bridge) in Philadelphia was renamed in his honor. Platt's great-grandson, Lawrence Griffin Platt, had the bridge renamed in 1979.
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...
recipient in the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Private in Troop H, 6th US Cavalry for action on July 3, 1863 at Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Fairfield is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 486 at the 2000 census.-History:During the Gettysburg Campaign in the American Civil War, the Battle of Fairfield played an important role in securing the Fairfield pass and the Hagerstown Road, enabling Robert E...
, near Gettysburg
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is a borough that is the county seat, part of the Gettysburg Battlefield, and the eponym for the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Military Park and has 3 institutions of higher learning: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg College, and...
. His citation reads "Seized the regimental flag upon the death of the standard bearer in a hand-to-hand fight and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy."
He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pennsylvania
Yeadon, Pennsylvania
Yeadon is a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. It borders the City of Philadelphia. The population was 11,762 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Yeadon is located at ....
.
Honors
The George C. Platt BridgeGeorge C. Platt Bridge
The George C. Platt Memorial Bridge is a through truss bridge that carries PA 291 over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was opened to traffic in 1951, replacing a swing bridge to the south which carried Penrose Ferry Road across the river...
(formerly known as the Penrose Avenue Bridge) in Philadelphia was renamed in his honor. Platt's great-grandson, Lawrence Griffin Platt, had the bridge renamed in 1979.