Benjamin F. Hardaway

Benjamin Franklin Hardaway (July 17, 1865-July 9, 1955) was a First Lieutenant serving in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography
Hardaway was born July 17, 1865 in Benleyville, Kentucky and after entering the army in 1886 worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant while in Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry. On July 31, 1891 he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and then to first lieutenant April 26, 1898 before being sent to fight in the Spanish–American War with the 17th U.S. Infantry. While his unit was fighting at El Caney, Cuba July 1, 1898 he received the Medal of Honor for assisting in the rescue of wounded while under heavy fire from the enemy. He received his medal on June 21, 1899. He remained in the army after the war and was promoted to the rank of captain February 2, 1901 and eventually achieved the rank of colonel before his death.

He died July 9, 1955 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia July 15, 1955. His grave can be found in section 2, lot 1044-1.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 17th U .S. Infantry. Place and date: At El Caney, Cuba, 1 July 1898. Entered service at:______. Birth: Benleyville, Ky. Date of issue: 21 June 1899.

Citation:

"Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy."