Navy Federal Credit Union

Discharged after amputation of his left leg, Leonidas Godley returned to Ashland, Iowa until 1874 when he moved to Ottumwa. There he was elected to eight consecutive terms as county clerk. In 1883 he was appointed revenue agent, and the following year was named a deputy in the same office.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Division:

    22d Iowa Infantry

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1863

    Date of Issue: August 3, 1897

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Sergeant Leonidas Mahlon Godley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 May 1863, while serving with Company E, 22d Iowa Infantry, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi. First Sergeant Godley led his company in the assault on the enemy’s works and gained the parapet, there receiving three very severe wounds. He lay all day in the sun, was taken prisoner, and had his leg amputated without anesthetics.