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Joseph B. Kemp
Born (1844-07-01)July 1, 1844
Died July 13, 1917(1917-07-13) (aged 73)
Place of birth Lima, Ohio
Place of death Ann Arbor, Michigan
Buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Allegiance US flag 34 stars United States of America
Service/branch Union Army
Rank First Sergeant
Unit Michigan Company D, 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles/wars Battle of the Wilderness
Awards Medal of Honor ribbon Medal of Honor

First Sergeant Joseph Bell Kemp (July 1, 1844 – July 13, 1917) was a soldier from Michigan who fought in the American Civil War. Kemp received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of the Wilderness in Wilderness, Virginia on 6 May 1864. He was presented the medal on 1 December 1864.

Biography[]

Kemp was born July 1, 1844 in Lima, Ohio and enlisted into Company D, 5th Michigan Infantry. While fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864 First Sergeant Kemp captured the of flag of Confederate 31st North Carolina regiment in a personal encounter. For his actions during this battle, he received the United States militiaries highest, and at that time only, medal for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor on 1 December 1864.[1][2]

He died July 13, 1917 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is buried in there Forest Hill Cemetery. His grave can be located in section 69, lot 32.[2][3]

Medal of Honor citation[]

Capture of flag of 31st North Carolina (C.S.A.) in a personal encounter.[1][2]

See also[]

References[]

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