What follows is my first attempt of a blog to share some of the history of our family. I will start with my great grandfather George Jerome Reynolds who became a Civil War hero on July 22nd 1864. He eventually came to Covina in 1905, bringing his son Irven G. Reynolds who was 15 in 1905. Irven later started Reynolds Buick in 1915. Below is a picture of George Reynolds during the Civil War.
George Jerome Reynolds was born April 11, 1841 in Davis County, Iowa. He was a farmer that enlisted in the Civil War on January 31, 1862 at Ottumwa, Iowa (Company D, 15th Iowa Infantry).
What follows is a copy of letter from his Pension File. This letter describes what he did to earn the Medal of Honor.
General Order No. 8, Headquarters 17th Army Corps, Department of Tenn.
Before Atlanta, Ga, July 26, 1864
During the bloody battle of the 22nd inst., in which this corps was engaged, Private George J. Reynolds D Company, Fifteenth Iowa Veteran Infantry was, while in the performance of his duty on the skirmish line, severely wounded in the arm. In attempting to evade capture he came to the spot where the late beloved and gallant commander of the Army, Major Gen. McPherson was lying mortally wounded. Forgetting all consideration of self, Private Reynolds clung to his commander and amidst the roar of battle and storm of bullets administered to the wants of his gallant chief, quenching his dying thirst, and affording him such comfort as lay in his power.
After General McPherson had breathed his last, Private Reynolds was chiefly instrumental in recovering his body, going with two of his staff officers, pointing out the body, and assisting in putting it in an ambulance under a heady fire from the enemy, while his wound was still uncared for. The noble and devoted conduct of this soldier cannot be too highly praised, and is commended to the consideration of the officers and men of this command.
In consideration of this gallantry and noble, unselfish devotion, the “Gold Medal of Honor” will be conferred upon Private George J. Reynolds, D company, Fifteenth Iowa Veteran Infantry, in front of his command. This order will be read at the head of every regiment, battery and detachment of this corps.
By commission of Frank P. Blair, Major General
A. J. Alexander, Lieut. Col. & Assistant Adjutant General
Here is the Medal of Honor, the highest award given in the Civil War, that he was awarded for his efforts. Our family still has this medal.
Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson July 22nd 1864
VICKSBURG July 4th 1863
17th
July 22nd 1864 is the date General McPherson died and George’s efforts earned him the Medal of Honor.
July 4th 1863 is the date the south surrendered at the battle of Vicksburg. We think that this was a leftover medal from battle of Vicksburg that took place a year earlier. When my grandfather was awarded the medal, the Army quickly put together this medal, using what they had.
17th is the Regiment he served in.
Co D 15 Iowa
V. V.
This is the back of the medal. He served in Company D, 15th Iowa Infantry. V.V. stands for Volunteer Veteran, which means he volunteered for a second tour.
Here is a picture of the battle scene taken a few days after General McPherson passed.
This is a link to his “Find a Grave” website that has information on his burial site. I used much of what I found on this page to describe what he did in the war. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11726837/george-jerome-reynolds
For those of you who really want to dig in, here are some documents that were saved for us with the Medal, safely tucked away.
Below are a couple of books that reference the battle.
