MOH - Ovila Cayer

Born in Canada, he immigrated to the United States where he was known by the nickname "Frenchy". During the Civil War he served as a Sergeant in Company A of the 14th Infantry Regiment. At the Battle of Fredericksburg in December, 1862, he was captured but later released and rejoined his unit. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, when his company was devastated by a Confederate cavalry attack, the color sergeant was killed and the flag was lost, Cayer went back and retrieved the flag and rallied the troops. For his bravery he was promoted to Color Sergeant. He was wounded in May of the next year at the Battle of the Wilderness.

On August 19, 1864, Cayer participated in the Battle of Globe Tavern near Petersburg, Virginia. After assaulting and capturing a railroad junction used by the Confederates to supply the besieged city of Petersburg, his unit prepared for an expected counterattack. When the attack came, all of the officers in Company A were killed or wounded. Cayer took command of the company and led it in the successful defense of their position.

Medal of Honor