Smith Larimer
Encyclopedia
Smith Larimer was a corporal in the 2nd Ohio Cavalry
, Union Army
and a Medal of Honor
recipient for his actions at the Battle of Sayler's Creek
in the American Civil War
.
, Larimer enlisted in the Army from Columbus
. By April 6, 1865, he was serving as a corporal
in Company G of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry
. On that day, during the Battle of Sayler's Creek
in Virginia, he captured the flag of Confederate General Joseph B. Kershaw
's headquarters. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor
a month later, on May 3.
Larimer's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Larimer died at age 51 on February 20, 1881, and was buried in Mansfield, Ohio
. He was one of five people from Richland County to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War, the others being David L. Cockley, Joseph Hedges, John H. Ricksecker, and James Wiley.
2nd Ohio Cavalry
The 2nd Ohio Cavalry was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 2nd Ohio Cavalry was organized in Cleveland, Ohio and at Camp Dennison near Cincinnati, Ohio from August to October 1861, and mustered in for a three years under the command of...
, 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 actions at the Battle of Sayler's Creek
Battle of Sayler's Creek
-External links:* * : Maps, histories, photos, and preservation news...
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...
.
Biography
Born on March 17, 1829, in Richland County, OhioRichland County, Ohio
Richland County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 124,475. It is included in the Mansfield, Ohio, Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Mansfield–Bucyrus Combined Statistical Area....
, Larimer enlisted in the Army from Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. By April 6, 1865, he was serving as a corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
in Company G of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry
2nd Ohio Cavalry
The 2nd Ohio Cavalry was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 2nd Ohio Cavalry was organized in Cleveland, Ohio and at Camp Dennison near Cincinnati, Ohio from August to October 1861, and mustered in for a three years under the command of...
. On that day, during the Battle of Sayler's Creek
Battle of Sayler's Creek
-External links:* * : Maps, histories, photos, and preservation news...
in Virginia, he captured the flag of Confederate General Joseph B. Kershaw
Joseph B. Kershaw
Joseph Brevard Kershaw was a lawyer, judge, and a Confederate general in the American Civil War.-Early life:...
's headquarters. For this action, he was awarded 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...
a month later, on May 3.
Larimer's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Capture of flag of General Kershaw's headquarters.
Larimer died at age 51 on February 20, 1881, and was buried in Mansfield, Ohio
Mansfield, Ohio
Mansfield is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Richland County. The municipality is located in north-central Ohio in the western foothills of the Allegheny Plateau, approximately southwest of Cleveland and northeast of Columbus....
. He was one of five people from Richland County to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War, the others being David L. Cockley, Joseph Hedges, John H. Ricksecker, and James Wiley.
See also
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: G–L