Loyd Wheaton

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.

Biography
Wheaton was born in Pennfield, Michigan. He joined the Army from Peoria, Illinois in April 1861, and served American Civil War, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Fort Blakely on April 9, 1865; however, the medal was not presented until January 16, 1894.

Wheaton was appointed brigadier general of volunteers at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War and placed in command of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, VII Corps stationed in Miami. The corps did sail to Cuba but the fighting was already over and his brigade was involved only in the occupation forces.

He was then sent to the Philippines, where he was placed in command of a Provisional Brigade in the U.S. VIII Corps during the Philippine-American War. He led his brigade during the Pasig River expedition, Malolos Campaign and at the Battle of Zapote River. He then assumed command of the 1st Brigade, U.S. 2nd Division, VIII Corps during the Northern Offensive where his troops defeated a Filipino force at the Battle of San Jacinto (1899) and linked with the U.S 1st Division under Arthur MacArthur at Dagupan. He commanded the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, VIII Corps during the second Cavite Expedition.

He commanded the Department of Northern Luzon during the second phase of the war. He was General Frederick Funston's immediate superior and authorized Funston's expedition to capture Emilio Aguinaldo. He was appointed Major General of volunteers in 1900.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, 8th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: July 15, 1838, Calhoun County, Mich. Date of issue: January 16, 1894.

Citation:

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.