James T. Clancy Medal of Honor Recipient
James T. Clancy was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Andrew Johnson for his bravery and actions during the Battle of Vaughan Road in Virginia.
But later research shows that there is no apparent proof it was actually James T. Clancy who shot the Confederate General, the action which many believe contributed greatly to the Union victory at that site.
All the same, Sgt. Clancy bought bravely during the Civil War and went on to help as a civilian during Cuba’s War for Independence.
Captain James T. Clancy is also one of the 312 Medal of Honor recipients listed as Lost in History…those recipients whose burial places remain unknown. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society continues its search for information concerning these burial places and invites anyone with any information to contact them to aid in their search.
Clancy was born in 1833 in Albany, New York but joined the First New Jersey Cavalry when he was 30 in October 1863. He joined the Army at Camden, so New Jersey is credited with his residency.
The following year, serving with C Company of the Cavalry, he is credited with killing Confederate Brigadier General John Dunovant, the leader of the Confederate cavalry that was charging the front line of a fortified Union position. The Union cavalry, under the command of Brig. General Henry Dvies, was fighting on foot, and slaying the General of the opposing force led the Confederates in disarray, and a delay in their continued attacks. That gave Gen. Davies time to love his men to a better position and the ultimate Union victory at Vaughan Road.
The following year, President Johnson awarded the soldier the Medal.
Sgt. Clancy was commissioned as an officer and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. He then went to Cuba working with the United States giving military aid to Cuba during its first War of Independence, the Ten Years War. He died in Medios Cuba in December 1870, and his burial site is unknown.
During the 20th century, Historian Richard J. Sommers reached a conclusion through his research that there is doubt about Clancy’s firing the fatal shot. There is evidence he said that shows the claim of that action was a fabrication of Sgt. Clancy’s regiment’s commanding officer, Major Myron Beaumon, in his efforts to glorify his unit and thence himself.
He is nonetheless deserving of the honor, was commissioned a Captain after the war and continued to provide aid to neighboring Cuba during their war with Spain.
Captain Clancy’s Medal of Honor reads:
Shot the Confederate Brig. Gen. John Dunovant dead during a charge, thus confusing the enemy and greatly aiding in his repulse.
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