Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Bensinger
POW (Civil War)
January 14, 1840

–

December 19, 1918

Cemetery:

McComb Union Cemetery

After his successful escape, Private Bensinger arrived in Washington, DC where he and his fellow raiders were presented the first Medals of Honor in history. Bensinger was second (after Jacob Parrott) to receive his Country’s highest honor. In the early 1950s, Disney Studios produced “The Great Locomotive Chase”, a movie staring Fess Parker to herald the accomplishments of the Andrews Raid.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    21st Ohio Infantry

    Action Date:

    April, 1862
    Date of Issue: March 25, 1863

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private William Bensinger, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on April, 1862, while serving with Company G, 21st Ohio Infantry, in action during the Andrew’s Raid in Georgia. Private Bensinger was one of the 19 of 22 men (including two civilians) who, by direction of General Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Georgia, in an attempt to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanooga and Atlanta.