Henry S. Wells

Private Henry S. Wells (1842-October 27, 1864) was a soldier from New York who fought in the American Civil War. Wells received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm during the Siege of Petersburg on 29 September 1864. The medal was presented to him on 6 April 1865.

Biography
Wells was born 1842 New York and enlisted into Company C, 148th New York Infantry from Phelps, New York. While fighting in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm during the Siege of Petersburg on 29 September 1864 Private Wells with 2 comrades, took position in advance of the skirmish line and within short distance of a group of Confederate soldiers. They then proceeded to fire at them, causing them to leave their guns. 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 6 April 1865.

He was captured and died while be held as a prisoner of war by Confederate forces. He died October 27, 1864.