Edward J. Bebb (April 28, 1839 – July 12, 1916)
was an American soldier who fought in the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states th ...
. Bebb was awarded the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. ...
, for his action in Columbus, Georgia on April 16, 1865. He was honored with the award on June 17, 1865.
Biography
Bebb was born in Ohio to Edward (1800 - 1868) and Margaret Evans Bebb (1805 - 1868) on April 28, 1839. He moved to
Iowa
Iowa () is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. It is bordered by six states: Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the ...
at age 12.
Bebb enlisted into Company D of the 4th Iowa Cavalry on September 25, 1861
and was a private throughout his military career.
On 16 April 1865 he formed part of a regiment, under the direction of General J. H. Wilson's, that were undertaking to capture the Chattahoochee River bridge to gain entry into the city. Bebb is reported to have captured a flag while the enemies were fleeing.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor at this event.
Medal of Honor citation
Personal life
Bebb married Mary Adeline Hungerford (1845 - 1900) in Wapello, Iowa on March 8, 1866 having mustered out of the army soon after the conclusion of the Civil War.
See also
*
List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bebb, Edward J.
1839 births
1916 deaths
People of Iowa in the American Civil War
Union Army soldiers
United States Army Medal of Honor recipients
American Civil War recipients of the Medal of Honor