Benjamin F. McAlwee

Sergeant Benjamin Franklin McAlwee (January 7, 1838-June 28, 1918) was a soldier from Washington, D.C. who fought in the American Civil War. McAlwee 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 4 April 1898.

Biography
McAlwee was born January 7, 1838 in Washington, D.C. and was enlisted into Company D, 3rd Maryland Infantry.

While fighting in the Battle of the Crater on 30 July 1864, Sergeant McAlwee risked his life by picking up a shell with a still burning fuse and threw it over the parapet into the ditch, where it exploded. This act likely saved the lives of fellow soldiers in the area at the risk of his own life. 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 on 4 April 1898. McAlwee died June 28, 1918 in Washington, D.C. and was buried in Congressional Cemetery Washington, D.C. His grave can be found in Range 7, site 96.