Brevet Lt. Colonel Henry Cary Weir (USA)

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain & Assistant Adjutant General Henry Cary Weir, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 24 June 1864, while serving with U.S. Volunteers, in action at St. Mary's Church, Virginia. The division being hard pressed and falling back, Captain Weir dismounted, gave his horse to a wounded officer, and thus enabled him to escape. Afterwards, on foot, Captain Weir rallied and took command of some stragglers and helped to repel the last charge of the enemy.

General Orders: Date of Issue: May 18, 1899

Action Date: June 24, 1864

Service: Army

Rank: Captain & Assistant Adjutant General

Division: U.S. Volunteers

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8205089

Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered his Civil War service on July 22, 1861 when he was mustered in as a Private in the 3rd New York Light Artillery, and served in the artillery until October 1861. At that time, he received a commission of 2nd Lieutenant, and was transferred to the 1st Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry's Company G. He served with the Pennsylvanians though the spring and summer of 1862 before he was tabbed to serve on the staff of Brigadier General George D. Bayard. Promoted to Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, US Volunteers on August 7, 1862, he remained on General Bayard's staff until that officer was killed at the December 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Transferred to the staff of Brigadier General David McM. Gregg, he served as his Assistant Adjutant General and aide during the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.

During the June 24, 1864 cavalry engagement at St. Mary's Church, Virginia, he performed an act of bravery that would see him awarded the CMOH. His citation reads "The division being hard-pressed and falling back, this officer dismounted, gave his horse to a wounded officer, and thus enabled him to escape. Afterward, on foot, Capt. Weir rallied and took command of some stragglers and helped to repel the last charge of the enemy." His Medal was awarded to him on May 18, 1899, thirty five years later. Promoted to Major on February 1, 1865, he was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "gallantry and meritorious service". He was honorably mustered out on May 19, 1865. (bio by: Russ Dodge)