John N. Opel

Private John N. Opel (July 30, 1843-February 21, 1925) was a soldier from Indiana who fought in the American Civil War. Opel received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of the Wilderness in Wilderness, Virginia on 5 May 1864. The medal was presented to him on 1 December 1864.

Biography
Opel was born July 30, 1843 in Hoflas, Germany and enlisted into Company G, 7th Indiana Infantry from Decatur County, Indiana. While fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness on 5 May 1864 Private Opel captured the of flag of the Confederate 50th Virginia Infantry regiment. For his actions during this battle, he received the United States militiaries highest, and at that time only, medal for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor on 1 December 1864.

He died February 21, 1925 in Cora, Missouri and is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Pleasant Hill Township, Missouri.