George Lewis Gillespie – West Point, NY - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

George Lewis Gillespie, Jr., was born in Kingston, Tennessee on October 7, 1841. He attended the United States Military Academy, graduating second in the class of 1962. During the Civil War, Gillespie commanded two companies of engineers that built fortification and bridges throughout Virginia. Gillespie was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action during the Battle of Cold Harbor. After the Civil War, Gillespie supervised the improvement of harbors in Cleveland, Chicago, Boston and New York and he initiated construction of the canal on the Columbia River. General Gillespie also served as acting Secretary of War in 1901 and was in charge of the military ceremonies during the funeral of President William McKinley in 1903. General Gillespie retired from military service in 1905 and lived his remaining years in Saratoga Springs, New York. General Gillespie died on September 27, 1913 and is resting in the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery in West Point, New York.

General Gillespie’s Medal of Honor Citation reads:

“Exposed himself to great danger by voluntarily making his way through the enemy's lines to communicate with Gen. Sheridan. While rendering this service he was captured, but escaped; again came in contact with the enemy, was again ordered to surrender, but escaped by dashing away under fire.”

Citation Source: (visit link)

Armed Service: Army

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