James Welsh (Medal of Honor)

Private James Welsh (May 11, 1846-December 17, 1916) was a soldier from New Hampshire who fought in the American Civil War. Welsh received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, Virginia on 30 July 1864. He was presented the medal on 3 June 1905.

Biography
Welsh was born May 11, 1846 in Ireland and emigrated to the United States sometime prior to the start of the American Civil war. He enlisted into Company E, 4th Rhode Island Infantry from Slatersville, Rhode Island.

While fighting in the Battle of the Crater on 30 July 1864 Private Welsh saved the unit colors from being captured by Confederate forces. After the corporal carrying the colors had been killed and the color sergeant wounded, Private Walsh seized the colors to prevent them from being taken. 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 3 June 1905. Welsh died December 17, 1916 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and was buried in Saint Pauls Church Cemetery Blackstone, Massachusetts