Medal of Honor Recipient

Wounded three times during the Civil War

Provost Marshal's Office, 18th Army Corps Reports a Straggler of the 11th Connecticut Infantry

War Date Document Signed

(1843-1928) Born in Ireland, he was a resident of Winchester, Conn., when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted on April 22, 1861, as a private, and was mustered into Co. K, 2nd Connecticut Infantry, a 90 days regiment, and was mustered out on August 7, 1861. He re-enlisted on October 25, 1861, and was mustered into Co. E, 11th Connecticut Infantry, with the rank of sergeant. He was wounded in action at the battle of Antietam, on September 17, 1862, and promoted to 1st sergeant the following day. He was promoted to 2nd lieutenant, on August 9, 1863; 1st lieutenant, on April 9, 1864; wounded in action on June 3, 1864, at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va.; promoted to captain, on September 26, 1864; wounded in action at the battle of Chapin's Farm, Va., on September 29, 1864; mustered out of the Union army as a result of his wounds on November 17, 1864. He was awarded the Medal of Honor
for his heroic action at Chapin's Farm,
when he delivered an important message despite being severely wounded.

Lieutenant Samuel B. Horne
Chapin's Farm, Va.
September 29, 1864

A Message Delivered Under Difficulty

With two dangerous wounds in his body Lieutenant Samuel B. Horne, of Company H, 11th Connecticut Infantry, was carried off the field at Cold Harbor, Va., on June 3, 1864, and sent to a hospital. Though his recovery proceeded slowly, he could not bear to be confined to his bead and three months later returned to his regiment, though still an invalid. Ten days later, at Chapin's Farm, Va., September 29, 1864, he won his medal by a display of courage almost superhuman. It happened thus: Upon his return to the regiment he was attached to the staff of General Ord as aide-de-camp, and during the attack on Fort Harrison was sent to deliver a verbal message to the colonel of one of the advancing regiments.

"Though my injuries still pained me very much I obeyed the order cheerfully." Lieutenant Horne goes on to tell, "I spurred my horse forward and soon came within range of the enemy's guns. While going at full gallop my horse was killed by grape shot and fell upon me with crushing weight, cracking some of my ribs, injuring me internally and pinioning me to the ground. Here I lay perfectly helpless and suffering intense pain, until Colonel Wells rode up and relieved me from my precarious position. Still the message had to be delivered and although lacerated, in great pain and partly denuded, I proceeded on foot to carry out my mission. I could only advance slowly and with difficulty and had to pass under the very guns of the fort before I reached the colonel of the advancing regiment. I reported to General Ord and was with him when he was wounded on the parapet and with him was taken to the rear." Source: Deeds of Valor

7 3/4 x 10, on imprinted letter sheet, in ink.

Office Provost Marshal, Eighteenth Army Corps

Sept. 24th, 1864

Commanding Officer
11th Conn. Vols.

Sir-

I have the honor to forward herewith the following named enlisted men, Straggler. Viz: John Forns, 11th Conn. with descriptive list accompanying.

Very Respectfully your Obedient Servant,
Saml. B. Horne
Lieut. and Asst. Provost Marshal

Dockets, etc. on the reverse.

Light age toning and wear. Very fine.

John Forns, the soldier listed in this document as a straggler, was a resident of Windham, Conn., when he enlisted as a private, on October 14, 1861, and was mustered into Co. H, 11th Connecticut Infantry. He was promoted to corporal, on March 24, 1864; was wounded in action on June 3, 1864, at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va.; promoted to sergeant, on October 1, 1864; was reduced to private, on November 11, 1864; and was listed as a deserter on October 11, 1865.