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Harlan J. Swift

Residence was not listed; 23 years old.

Enlisted on 1/5/1864 at Buffalo, NY as a Private.

On 1/5/1864 he mustered into "H" Co. NY 2nd Mounted Rifles 
He was Mustered Out on 8/10/1865 at Petersburg, VA


Promotions:
* Comm Sergt 1/6/1864 
* 2nd Lieut 2/4/1864 
* 1st Lieut 10/20/1864 
* Capt 1/5/1865 


Other Information:
born 10/2/1843 in New Hudson, Columbia Co, NY
died 10/6/1910 
Buried: Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, NY

Medal of Honor Information:
He was awarded the Medal of Honor
for action on 7/30/1864 at Petersburg, VA.
(Alone, captured 4 prisoners)

Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:

 - New York:  Report of the Adjutant-General 1893-1906
 - Deeds of Valor.  How our Soldier-heroes won the Medal of Honor
 - Medal of Honor Recipients 1863-1994
 - Photo courtesy of Edward Schoenberger
(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com

Harlan J. Swift
Petersburg, VA
07/30/64

AN IMPROVISED BODYGUARD

WHEN on the 30th of July, 1864, the Confederate works at 
Petersburg were converted by the explosion of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants' mine into the horrible  "Crater,"  Company H, of the 
Second New York Mounted Rifles, dismounted, was posted about 100 
feet away from the enemy's works and with the crash and tumult of 
the explosion they received the order to charge with the 
remainder of the brigade across a small rise of ground and take 
position at the first line of the Confederate defenses.  Second 
Lieutenant Harlan J. Swift, of Company H, a medal winner in this 
affair, relates:

" Of course it was hot work, but was in no way a surprise, 
because our entire line had been waiting long for just such an 
experience.  We reached the objective point in short order, to 
see the enemy going pell-mell toward their second line of 
defense, a considerable distance away on the Jerusalem plank 
road.  As we reached the top of the first line I could see 
several Confederates not far off, and, calling my company to 
halt, I sprinted on after the fugitives.  I was very good on my 
feet and soon overhauled four of the men who, with guns loaded 
and bayonets fixed, had given me such a stubborn chase.

" Placing the muzzle of my revolver against the temple of one of 
the  'Johnnies'  while still running, I ordered the four to 
surrender, which they did instantly, fancying, I suppose, that I 
had my whole company at my back.  Then I formed them on either 
side and in front of me-as a protection against possible shots 
from their more speedy companions-and so marched them back to our 
line."


Source:  Deeds of Valor, p. 404 


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