Joseph H. Shea

Private Joseph Henry Shea (January 22, 1847-December 12, 1937) was a soldier from New York who fought in the American Civil War. Shea received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the battle of Battle of Chaffin's Farm. He was presented the medal in March 1866.

Biography
Shea was born January 22, 1847 in Maryland, Baltimore and enlisted into Company K, 92d New York Infantry from New York.

While fighting in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on 29 September 1864, Private Shea risked his own life rescuing wounded from the field under heavy fire. For his actions during this battle, he received the United States military's highest, and at that time only, medal for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to him in March 1866. Shea died in Columbia County, Arkansas December 12, 1937.