Joseph Kemp (Medal of Honor)

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Joseph Kemp in 1865

Joseph Bell Kemp (July 1, 1844 – July 13, 1917) was an American recipient of the Medal of Honor and soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Biography[edit]

Kemp's grave at Forest Hill Cemetery

Kemp was born in Lima, Allen Country, Ohio on July 1, 1844.[1] He served as first sergeant with Company D of the 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He earned his medal in action during the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia on May 6, 1864.[2] Kemp was captured at the Battle of Petersburg and was briefly held as a prisoner.[3] By the wars conclusion, Kemp had reached the rank of captain and was mustered out in July 1865.[3] His medal was issued on December 1, 1864.[4] He died on July 13, 1917, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.[1]

Medal of Honor Citation[edit]

For extraordinary heroism on 6 May 1864, in action during the Wilderness Campaign, Virginia, for capture of flag of 31st North Carolina (Confederate States of America) in a personal encounter.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Joseph Bell Kemp | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  2. ^ "Kemp, Joseph". The National Medal of Honor Museum. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Joseph Bell Kemp, 5th Michigan Infantry, Medal of Honor". Military Images Digital. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Joseph Kemp - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved February 4, 2022.