Loyd Wheaton (July 15, 1838 – September 17, 1918) was a United States general who fought in the Philippine–American War and in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early life
Wheaton was born in Pennfield, Michigan, on July 15, 1838.
American Civil War
At the outbreak of the American Civil War in April 1861, Wheaton joined the 8th Illinois Infantry as a first sergeant. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant in July 1861, and was promoted to captain in March 1862, major in August 1863, and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel in November 1864.
Wheaton received a brevet (honorary promotion) to colonel on March 26, 1865, for his service in the campaign against Mobile, Alabama.
Wheaton received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Fort Blakeley on April 9, 1865; however, the medal was not presented until January 16, 1894. After mustering out of the volunteers in 1866, he became a captain in the regular army.
He was discharged from the volunteer Army on May 4, 1866.</blockquote>
Late career
He was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Regular Army to rank from February 2, 1901, and was discharged from the Volunteer Army on February 28, 1901. He was promoted to major general in the Regular Army on March 30, 1901.
Having reached the mandatory retirement age of 64, General Wheaton retired from the Army, after 41 years of service, on July 15, 1902. He was a companion of Kansas Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
He died in Chicago on September 17, 1918.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, 8th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Blakeley, Ala., April 9, 1865. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: July 15, 1838, Calhoun County, Mich. Date of issue: January 16, 1894.
Citation:
<blockquote>Led the right wing of his regiment, and, springing through an embrasure, was the first to enter the enemy's works, against a strong fire of artillery and infantry.</blockquote>
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: T–Z