Navy Federal Credit Union

Following the war, Mr. Bouquet returned to his hometown of Burlington to work as a grocer, then to serve on the local police force. He also served for a time as sergeant-at-arms for the Iowa House of Representatives. Though his Medal of Honor wasn’t presented until 1897, the men who served with him in the 25th Iowa recognized his courage by presenting him the regimental colors for safe keeping when the unit was disbanded at Davenport. Nicholas Bouquet kept these colors until his death.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    1st Iowa Infantry

    Action Date:

    August 10, 1861

    Date of Issue: February 16, 1897

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Nicholas S. Bouquet, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 10 August 1861, while serving with Company D, 1st Iowa Infantry, in action at Wilson’s Creek, Missouri. Private Bouquet voluntarily left the line of battle, and, exposing himself to imminent danger from a heavy fire of the enemy, assisted in capturing a rider less horse at large between the lines and hitching him to a disabled gun, saved the gun from capture.