Congressional Medal of Honor, 1897-01-23

Item — Box: 23.1, Object: 1

Identifier: GA.BH.23.1.1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Michael Dougherty Collection includes documents, personal letters, and artifacts related to the life and military service of Private Michael Dougherty of Company B, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Dougherty was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War, specifically for his actions at the Battle of Jefferson, Virginia, in 1863. The collection documents his experiences as a prisoner of war in Andersonville and other Confederate prisons, highlighting the challenges faced during his 23 months of captivity.

Among the items in the collection are two Medal of Honor certificates, the first from 1897 and a reissue from 1927, as well as Dougherty’s medals, letters, diaries, and official documents, including his naturalization and pension certificates. The collection also includes a letter documenting his participation in the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Dates

1897-01-23

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library (archive@grundylibrary.org) for information about accessing this collection.

Biographical / Historical

Michael Dougherty petitioned for recognition of his acts of bravery during the Civil War, with the support and testimony of his superior, Colonel M. Kerwin. As a result, on January 23, 1897, he received a letter confirming that sufficient evidence had been submitted to grant him the Medal of Honor. The letter stated that the medal was being sent to him that same day "by direction of the president and in accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1863..."

The medal presented in this collection combines two versions: the ribbon is from the 1897 issue, and the metal medallion is from a 1927 reissue. The 1897 medal is identifiable by its ribbon, which features vertical red, white, and blue stripes—a traditional design for this period. The 1927 version of the medal includes a slightly altered medallion, with more intricate detailing in the bronze eagle at the top and laurel leaves surrounding the star. The 1927 design also incorporates the word "Valor," highlighting the act of bravery for which the medal was awarded.

This collection includes a certificate verifying the receipt of the 1927 medal.