Patrick H. Pentzer

Patrick H. Pentzer (1839 – October 16, 1901) was an American soldier who fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Pentzer received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken on April 9, 1865, during the Battle of Fort Blakeley.

Patrick Henry Pentzer
Born	1839 Marion County, Missouri
Died	October 16, 1901
Buried	Springfield National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Army
Rank	Captain
Unit	Company C 97th Illinois Infantry Regiment
Battles / wars	Battle of Fort Blakeley American Civil War
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Pentzer was born in 1839 in Marion County, Missouri, but lived most of his life in Illinois. During the Civil War, Pentzel enlisted at Gillespie, Macoupin County, Illinois. He initially served as a private in Company H of the 9th Illinois Infantry, then re-enlisted as sergeant-major of the 97th Illinois Infantry Regiment where he served three years.^[1]

On February 14, 1863, he was promoted to a Captain the 97th regiment.^[1][2] During the Battle of Fort Blakeley, Pentzel captured the enemy colors and surrender of Confederate General Francis Cockrell which earned him the Medal of Honor.^[3][4]

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Infantry) Patrick Henry Pentzer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 9 April 1865, while serving with Company C, 97th Illinois Infantry, in action at Fort Blakeley, Alabama. Among the first to enter the enemy's entrenchments, Captain Pentzer received the surrender of a Confederate general officer and his headquarters flag.^[5]

Personal life

Pentzer married his wife, Mary, on June 19, 1870.^[1] He died on October 16, 1901, and was interred in Springfield National Cemetery.^[6]