Henry A. Du Pont - Civil War and Military Career

Civil War and Military Career

Du Pont was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers upon his graduation from West Point on 6 May 1861. Soon after he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 5th Regiment, U.S. Artillery with date of rank of 14 May 1861. He served as a light artillery officer in the Union Army during the war, initially assigned to the defenses of Washington and New York Harbor. From 6 July 1861 to 24 March 1864, he served as regimental adjutant (administrative officer) until he was promoted to captain. He subsequently became chief of artillery in the Army of West Virginia.

Du Pont was part of General Philip Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia. He received the Medal of Honor for his handling of a retreat at the Battle of Cedar Creek, allowing Sheridan to win a victory in the battle. During the war, du Pont received two brevets (honorary promotions). The first was to the rank of major, dated 19 September 1864, for gallant service in the battles of Opequan and Fisher's Hill. The second brevet was to the rank of lieutenant colonel, dated 19 October 1864, for distinguished service at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia.

After the war, Du Pont continued as a career officer until resigning on 1 March 1875. In the postwar years, he became a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), an organization for former officers of the Union Army and their descendants. Then assigned to Washington, DC, Du Pont was a member of the District of Columbia Commandery and was issued MOLLUS insignia number 10418.