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James Pond’s brother, George F. Pond, also earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    3d Wisconsin Cavalry

    Action Date:

    October 6, 1863

    Date of Issue: March 30, 1898

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant James Burton Pond, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 6 October 1863, while serving with Company C, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, in action at Baxter Springs, Kansas. While in command of two companies of Cavalry, First Lieutenant Pond was surprised and attacked by several times his own number of guerrillas, but gallantly rallied his men, and after a severe struggle drove the enemy outside the fortifications. First Lieutenant Pond then went outside the works and, alone and unaided, fired a howitzer three times, throwing the enemy into confusion and causing him to retire.