Benjamin Franklin Hilliker

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Musician Benjamin F. Hilliker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 4 June 1863, while serving with Company A, 8th Wisconsin Infantry, in action at Mechanicsburg, Mississippi. When men were needed to oppose a superior Confederate force Musician Hilliker laid down his drum for a rifle and proceeded to the front of the skirmish line which was about 120 feet from the enemy. While on this volunteer mission and firing at the enemy he was hit in the head with a minie ball which passed through him. An order was given to "lay him in the shade; he won't last long." He recovered from this wound being left with an ugly scar.

General Orders: Date of Issue: December 17, 1897

Action Date: June 4, 1863

Service: Army

Rank: Musician

Company: Company A

Division: 8th Wisconsin Infantry