Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    20th New York Cavalry

    Action Date:

    October 16, 1864

    Date of Issue: March 7, 1917

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph Lonsway, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 October 1864, while serving with Company D, 20th New York Cavalry, in action at Murfrees Station, Virginia. Private Lonsway volunteered to swim Blackwater River to get a large flat used as a ferry on other side; succeeded in getting the boat safely across, making it possible for a detachment to cross the river and take possession of the enemy’s breastworks.