Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Milton
Whitehead
March 6, 1823

–

March 8, 1909

Cemetery:

Topeka Cemetery

John Whitehead was pastor of a Baptist church in Westville, Indiana, and entered military service as a chaplain with the 15th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War. After the war he travelled to Topeka, Kansas, and continued to minister in Baptist churches until his death in 1909. Today, the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School presents the John M. Whitehead Award to the student earning the top score on the Army Physical Fitness Test, for demonstrating mental and physical toughness throughout the course.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chaplain

    Division:

    15th Indiana Infantry

    Action Date:

    December 31, 1862
    Date of Issue: April 4, 1898

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Chaplain John Milton Whitehead, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 31 December 1862, while serving with 15th Indiana Infantry, in action at Stone River, Tennessee. Chaplain Whitehead went to the front during a desperate contest and unaided carried to the rear several wounded and helpless soldiers.