Biography
Hunter was born in Spencer, Massachusetts in 1843. He mustered into the Union Army as a private at Worcester on July 19, 1862, in Company E of the 34th Massachusetts Infantry. He first saw action at the Battle of Ripon on October 19, 1863. He was promoted to Corporal in November, and would serve as a color guard or color bearer for his company in every battle in which they served. Hunter subsequently saw extensive action in the Shenandoah Valley, fighting at the Battles of Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Ford, Second Kernstown and Martinsburg, Halltown, Berryville, Third Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Stickney's Farm, and Cedar Creek.
With the conclusion of Sheridan's Valley campaign, the 34th moved to the Petersburg theater of war. Hunter fought at Hatcher's Run in February 1865, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Sergeant in April 1865. During the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865, Sergeant Hunter was among the first of his company to enter Fort Gregg in the defensive works, bearing the company's colors, an act for which he received the Medal of Honor.
His medal was presented to him on June 13, 1865 by the wife of his commander, General John Gibbon. He was promoted to second lieutenant on June 18, 1865, but was discharged at Richmond due to the end of the Civil War.
Read more about this topic: Charles A. Hunter
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