Joseph Kemp (Medal of Honor)

First Sergeant Joseph Bell Kemp (July 1, 1844-July 13, 1917) was a soldier from Michigan who fought in the American Civil War. Kemp 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 6 May 1864. He was presented the medal on 1 December 1864.

Biography
Kemp was born July 1, 1844 in Lima, Ohio and enlisted into Company D, 5th Michigan Infantry. While fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864 First Sergeant Kemp captured the of flag of Confederate 31st North Carolina regiment in a personal encounter. 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 July 13, 1917 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is buried in there Forest Hill Cemetery. His grave can be located in section 69, lot 32.