John F. Weston
John F. Weston | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 13, 1845 Kentucky |
| Died | August 3, 1917 (aged 71) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865, 1867 - 1905 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | 4th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John Francis Weston (November 13, 1845 – August 3, 1917) was a Union Army officer in the American Civil War and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during a raid on Confederate shipping.
Biography
A native of Kentucky, Weston was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the 4th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry during November 1861, and was promoted to major three years later. On April 13, 1865, he participated in a raid to destroy Confederate supply boats near Wetumpka, Alabama. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor several decades later, on April 9, 1898.[1] He served as Commissary General of the US Army from 1900 until his retirement in 1905.
Weston died at age 71 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.[2]
Medal of Honor citation
Weston's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
This officer, with a small detachment, while en route to destroy steamboats loaded with supplies for the enemy, was stopped by an unfordable river, but with 5 of his men swam the river, captured 2 leaky canoes, and ferried his men across. He then encountered and defeated the enemy, and on reaching Wetumpka found the steamers anchored in midstream. By a ruse obtained possession of a boat, with which he reached the steamers and demanded and received their surrender.[1]
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of brigadier generals in the United States Regular Army before February 2, 1901
References
- ^ a b "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (M–Z)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ "John Francis Weston (1845 - 1917)". Find a Grave. September 25, 2003. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
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