James W. Archer 1st Lieutenant
59th Indiana Infantry – Union Army
BY DUANE ALLEN VACHON, PH.D. Archer served in the American Civil War with the 59th Indiana Infantry for the Union Army. He received the Medal of Honor on August 2, 1897 for his actions at the Second Battle of Corinth. Archer served in the American Civil War in the 59th Indiana Infantry for the Union Army. He received the Medal of Honor on August 2, 1897 for his actions at the Second Battle of Corinth.
He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Corinth, Mississippi on October 4, 1862. His citation reads “Voluntarily took command of another regiment, with the consent of one or more of his seniors, who were present, rallied the command and led it in the assault”. The regiment in question, the 48th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, had lost it’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel De Witt C. Rugg, to wounds before Adjutant Archer rallied them. He was awarded his Medal on August 2, 1897.
Medal of Honor
Awarded for actions during the Civil War
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant and Adjutant James W. Archer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 4 October 1862, while serving with 59th Indiana Infantry, in action at Corinth, Mississippi. First Lieutenant Archer voluntarily took command of another regiment, with the consent of one or more of his seniors, who were present, rallied the command and led it in the assault.
General Orders: Date of Issue: August 2, 1897
Action Date: October 4, 1862
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant and Adjutant
Division: 59th Indiana Infantry
Archer is buried at the Riverside Cemetery, Spencer Indiana
The information in this article was sourced from a variety of sources both internal and external. Every effort was made to ensure that the information is current and correct. These articles are presented to honor the heroes they are written about.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.
Author: Duane Vachon
Duane A. Vachon PhD has been a licensed clinical psychologist for over thirty years. He belongs to the order of Secular Franciscans and is a life member of the Guild of Pastoral Psychology. After living almost 40 years as an expatriate, he now writes from his home in Hawaii. He has several books published and has written hundreds of articles on social justice and spiritual issues. His Doctoral thesis on ethics has set the standard at many universities. Reach Dr. Vachon at vachon.duane@gmail.com