Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

U.S. Civil War - U.S. Army

Louis Palma di Cesnola

Details

Also Known As: Di Cesnola, Luigi Palma
Rank: Colonel (Highest Rank: Brevet Brigadier General)
Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
Unit/Command:
4th New York Cavalry
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: June 17, 1863
Medal of Honor Action Place: Aldie, Virginia, USA

Citation

Was present, in arrest, when, seeing his regiment fall back, he rallied his men, accompanied them, without arms, in a second charge, and in recognition of his gallantry was released from arrest. He continued in the action at the head of his regiment until he was desperately wounded and taken prisoner.