Joseph S. Labill was a Private

Private (rank)

A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...

 in the Union Army

Union Army

The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...

 and a 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...

 recipient for his role 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 is buried in South Hill Cemetery Vandalia, Illinois

Vandalia, Illinois

Vandalia is a city in Fayette County, Illinois, United States, northeast of St. Louis, on the Kaskaskia River. From 1819 to 1839 it served as the state capital of Illinois. Vandalia was the western terminus of the National Road. Today it is the county seat of Fayette County and the home of the...

. His grave can be located in the Catholic Section, Block 15, Lot 7.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 6th Missouri Infantry

6th Missouri Volunteer Infantry

The 6th Missouri Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 6th Missouri Infantry was organized at St. Louis, Missouri June 15 - July 9, 1861 and mustered in for three years service....

. Place and date: At Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 1863. Entered service at: Vandalia, Ill. Birth: France. Date of issue: August 14, 1894.

Citation:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: G–L