Joseph Kemp in 1865

Joseph Bell Kemp (July 1, 1844 – July 13, 1917) was an American recipient of the Medal of Honor and soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Biography

Kemp's grave at Forest Hill Cemetery

Kemp was born in Lima, Allen Country, Ohio on July 1, 1844.[1] He served as first sergeant with Company D of the 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He earned his medal in action during the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia on May 6, 1864.[2] Kemp was captured at the Battle of Petersburg and was briefly held as a prisoner.[3] By the wars conclusion, Kemp had reached the rank of captain and was mustered out in July 1865.[3] His medal was issued on December 1, 1864.[4] He died on July 13, 1917, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.[1]

Medal of Honor Citation

For extraordinary heroism on 6 May 1864, in action during the Wilderness Campaign, Virginia, for capture of flag of 31st North Carolina (Confederate States of America) in a personal encounter.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Joseph Bell Kemp | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Kemp, Joseph". The National Medal of Honor Museum. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Joseph Bell Kemp, 5th Michigan Infantry, Medal of Honor". Military Images Digital. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Joseph Kemp - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.