David Southard - New Egypt, NJ
Posted by: 94RedRover
N 40° 04.914 W 074° 29.388
18T E 543498 N 4436972
David Southard was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Sailors Creek.
Waymark Code: WM6PT4
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 07/04/2009
Views: 10
In 1861, David Southard enlisted in the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. As a Private in Company C for four years, he re-enlisted in 1864. By the fall of 1864, he had achieved the rank of Corporal, and to the rank of Sergeant by December 1864. He was part ofthe Union cavalry operations that contributed to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1865.
It was his actions at the Battle of Sailor's Creek, Virginia, on April 6, 1865 in which he earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. His citation reads:
"Capture of flag; and was the first man over the works in the charge". (per "Find a Grave website (
visit link)
He was awarded the medal on July 3, 1865.
Sergeant Southard retired to Ocean County, New Jersey, and is buried in the Zion Methodist Church Cemetery in New Egypt.