County Home To Several Medal Of Honor Recipients

The highest honor the nation can bestow a member of the United States Armed Forces is the legendary Congressional Medal of Honor. Chautauqua County is home to a dozen winners of the prestigious honor, all from the Civil War era.
With Memorial Day upon us, WNYNewsNow is sharing the stories of the 13 area residents and what they did to garner the honor.
Henry LeFevre Brown, born in Jamestown, was a Sgt. of B Company, 72nd N.Y. Infantry. During the battle of Wilderness, Va., federal forces were out of ammunition. Three times, under heavy Confederate fire, Brown carried ammunition in a blanket tied to his back across the main battlefield. The ammunition allowed Union forces to repel the Confederate forces.
Edwin Goodrich, who entered service in Westfield, served as a First Lt. D Co., 9th N.Y. Cavalry. During action at Cedar Creek, Va., Union forces were ordered to fall back. While falling back under intense fire, Goodrich rescued a Sargeant who was pinned under his horse. Goodrich rescued his comrade.
John H. Haight, a Westfield native, was a Sgt. in G Co., 72nd N.Y. Infantry. At a battle in Williamsburg, Va., Haight rescued a wounded comrade from the field of fire under an onslaught of enemy bullets. He rescued the man, but was severely injured and was ultimately captured by Southern soldiers. He later returned to combat action despite his injuries.