Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration for valor given by the United States Army and Navy. It was first authorized for naval enlisted men in December of 1861 and for army enlisted men in July of 1862. On March 3, 1863, it was extended to include army officers and was made retroactive to the beginnings of the Civil War. Naval and marine officers were not included until 1915. Between 1861 and 1865 over 1200 Medal of Honor nominations were received and approved.

The Medal of Honor was awarded twice for valor at the Battle of Monocacy. The recipients were Lieutenant George E. Davis and Corporal Alexander Scott, both members of the 10th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers.

George E. Davis First Lieutenant, Co. D 10th Vermont “While in command of a small force, held the approaches to two bridges against repeated assaults of superior numbers, thereby materially delaying Early's advance on Washington.”

Alexander Scott (Canadian) Corporal, Co. D 10th Vermont “Under a very heavy fire of the enemy, saved the national flag of his regiment from capture.”