Military Wiki
James T. Clancy
US-MOH-1862
Medal of Honor (Army, 1862 to 1895)
Born 1833
Died December 1870 (aged c37)
Place of birth Albany, New York
Place of death Remedios, Cuba
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States
Service/branch U.S. Army
Union Army
Rank CSASergeant Sergeant
Unit New Jersey 1st New Jersey Cavalry
Battles/wars

American Civil War

Cuban War of Independence
Awards Medal of Honor ribbon Medal of Honor

James T. Clancy (1833–December 1870) was a Sergeant in the Union Army during the American Civil War who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Vaughan Road.

Biography[]

Clancy distinguished himself on October 1, 1864 at the Battle of Vaughan Road. He served with C Company of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry, and is credited with firing the shot that killed Confederate Brigadier General John Dunovant. Dunovant was leading a Confederate cavalry charge against the front of a fortified Union position where Union cavalry under the command of Brigadier General Henry E. Davies were fighting dismounted. Dunovant's death was one of the key factors leading to a Union victory in the engagement as it disconcerted his brigade and led to a delay in further attacks. This gave Davies time to move his men to an even stronger fortified position. President Andrew Johnson awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Clancy on July 3, 1865.[1]

Clancy died in December 1870 in Remedios, Cuba while working on U.S. civilian military aid to Cuba during the Ten Years' War (1868–1878) against Spain, the first Cuban War of Independence. His burial place is currently unknown.[2]

Notes[]

  1. Historian Richard J. Sommers concludes that historical perspective raises grave doubts about whether Clancy fired the shot which killed General Dunovant and says it appears the claim was a fabrication by the commander of Clancy's regiment, Major Myron Beaumont, to glorify himself and his regiment. Sommers, Richard J. Richmond Redeemed: The Siege at Petersburg. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1981. ISBN 0-385-15626-X. p. 563
  2. 'Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States'

References[]

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