Harlan J. Swift

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant Harlan J. Swift, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1864, while serving with Company H, 2d New York Mounted Rifles, in action at Petersburg, Virginia. Having advanced with his regiment and captured the enemy's line, Second Lieutenant Swift saw four of the enemy retiring toward their second line of works. He advanced upon them alone, compelled their surrender and regained his regiment with the four prisoners.

General Orders: Date of Issue: July 20, 1897

Action Date: July 30, 1864

Service: Army

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company H

Division: 2d New York Mounted Rifles