J. Levi Roush

James Levi Roush (February 1, 1838-February 12, 1906) was a soldier from Pennsylvania who fought in the American Civil War. He received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Gettysburg 2 July 1863. He was issued the medal on 3 August 1897.

Biography
Roush was born February 1, 1838 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. When the American Civil War broke out, Roush enlisted into Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Reserves (also known as the 35th Pennsylvania Infantry ) from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

While serving with the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves Roush saw combat in many battles including the battles of Battle of Waynesville, Battle of Malvern Hill, Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Gettysburg, Battle of South Mountain, Battle of White House Landing, Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Antietem, Battle of Alexandria, Battle of Fairfax Court House, Battle of Falling Waters, Battle of North Ann Courthouse and others.

On the second day of fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg Union forces had been forced to fall back due to the superior numbers of the opposing Confederate force. As more Union troops arrived to fight however the battle started to shift. In an area known as Devil's Den, Roush, along with Thaddeus S. Smith, John W. Hart, George Mears, Chester S. Furman and Wallace Johnson volunteered to attack a small log cabin being held by Confederate forces. Although they attempted to approach the cabin by stealth, they were spotted and began taking fire from the enemy force locked inside. Roush and the other men rushed through the enemy fire and forced their way into the cabin. Before they could start shooting the confederate soldiers surrendered and were taken back to Union lines as prisoners. For thier actions during this incident, all six men received the Medal of Honor.

Roush received an honorable discharge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on June 11, 1864.

After the war Roush returned to Pennsylvania where he met and married his wife Mary Ann Wertzberger Roush in July 1965. Together they had eight children, four boys and four girls.

He died February 12, 1906 in McKee's Gap, Pennsylvania and is buried in Saint Patricks Cemetery. When his wife Mary died in 1925, she was buried with him.