Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
George
Lewis
Gillespie
, Jr.
October 7, 1841

–

September 27, 1913

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Cemetery

George Gillespie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1862. At the turn of the 19/20th Century, it was George Gillespie who designed the NEW Medal of Honor that is currently presented to members of the U.S. Army, which is sometimes called the “Gillespie Medal.” He retired as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Engineer Corps

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1864
    Date of Issue: October 27, 1897

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) George Lewis Gillespie, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 31 May 1864, while serving with the Engineer Corps, in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia, in exposed himself to great danger by voluntarily making his way through the enemy’s lines to communicate with General Sheridan. While rendering this service First Lieutenant Gillespie was captured, but escaped; again came in contact with the enemy, was again ordered to surrender, but escaped by dashing away under fire.