Christopher C. Bruton

Christopher C. Bruton (or Braton) (born 1840 or 1841 – unknown) was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia fought on March 2, 1865. It was the final battle for Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal Early, whose force was destroyed.

Bruton enlisted in the Army from Riga, New York in January 1864, and was commissioned as an officer two months later. He mustered out with his regiment in August 1865.

Medal of Honor citation
"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Cavalry) Christopher C. Bruton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 March 1865, while serving with Company C, 22d New York Cavalry, in action at Waynesboro, Virginia, for capture of General Early's headquarters flag, Confederate national standard."

The Medal was awarded on March 26, 1865. Colonel Hartwell B. Compson of the 8th New York Cavalry is also credited with the capture of this flag.

The captured flag was a Confederate Second National flag measuring 4’ x 6’ and was presented by Compson to the Secretary of War. The Federal government returned the flag to Virginia in 1906. It is in the possession of The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond.

Nothing is known of Bruton after the Civil War. It is believed that he died from disease in Texas in the 1870's of 1880's.