Peter McAdams | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 21, 1834 Armagh, Ireland |
| Died | September 29, 1926(1926-09-29) (aged 92) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Second lieutenant |
| Unit |  Company A,98th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Peter McAdams (April 21, 1834 – September 29, 1926) was anIrish American soldier who fought in theAmerican Civil War. He emigrated to America at the age of 14 and worked initially as a shoemaker. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Union Army. McAdams fought with the98th Pennsylvania Infantry at theBattles of Williamsburg andFredericksburg. He received a promotion tosergeant for his action in rescuing a wounded comrade at theBattle of Salem Church on May 3, 1863. McAdams was later commissioned as an officer and fought in this role at theBattle of Cold Harbor. He was seriously injured and left the army after the war. McAdams was awarded theMedal of Honor on April 1, 1898.
McAdams was born inArmagh, Ireland on April 21, 1834. He and his sister emigrated to the United States in 1848 when he was fourteen; they settled inManayunk, Pennsylvania. McAdams first found work as a shoemaker, but after theBattle of Fort Sumter, he enlisted into the 21st Pennsylvania Infantry. However, the regiment was disbanded before McAdams could participate in any fighting.[1]
He later enlisted into the98th Pennsylvania Infantry with many of his former comrades from the 21st Pennsylvania Infantry. He participated in several battles, including theBattle of Williamsburg and theBattle of Fredericksburg. During theBattle of Salem Church, his regiment was forced back to a defensive position in a field, leaving many wounded soldiers behind. Among the injured, McAdams spotted one of his comrades and closest friends,Private Charles Smith. After receiving permission from his commanding officer, McAdams rushed over to Smith's position, placed him on his back, and ran 250 yards (230 m) back to his company while under fire. Smith later died from his wounds, which included a gun shot wound to the head. McAdams received a promotion tosergeant for his heroic rescue.[1][2]
Sometime later, McAdams was promoted tosecond lieutenant and participated in theBattle of Cold Harbor. He was seriously injured and mustered out of the army on June 29, 1865. After the war, McAdams married Catherine Gill. The couple did not have any children. He was awarded theMedal of Honor on April 1, 1898.[3] McAdams died on September 29, 1926, after suffering frompleurisy. He was buried at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in his hometown of Manayunk, Pennsylvania.[1]
Citation: Went 250 yards in front of his regiment toward the position of the enemy and under fire brought within the lines a wounded and unconscious comrade.[3]
