Welcome to the fourth in the series.  This time let me introduce you to the second of two members of the 1st New York Dragoons to receive the Medal of Honor for this action.

Chester Bennett Bowen

Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He joined the Union army at age 20 when he was mustered in as a Private in Company I, 19th New York Volunteer Cavalry (also known as the 1st New York Dragoons). Promoted to Corporal on July 1, 1864, he awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Third Battle of Winchester, Virginia on September 19, 1864. His citation reads simply "Capture of Flag". Awarded the Medal on September 27, 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant on October 19, 1864, served through the end of the war and was honorably mustered out on June 30, 1865.

Amid the enemy, he grabbed the flag from a color bearer who then called for help. When the bearer's comrades were readying their rifles he dashed directly at them securing their disarming. As he rode away, the Confederates picked up their guns firing at the captor of their flag.

Here is the exact citation for the award

"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Chester Bennett Bowen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 19 September 1864, while serving with Company I, 19th New York Cavalry (1st New York Dragoons), in action at Winchester, Virginia, for capture of flag."

Action Date: September 19, 1864 Service: Army Rank: Corporal Company: Company I Division: 1st New York Dragoons (19th NY Cavalry)

The flag that was captured by Bowen and Lorish captured was a CSA second national flag belonging to an unidentified unit in Col George S. Patton's Virginia Infantry Brigade. The flag is now in the possession of the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia.

Picture from the Museum below.