Print, Photographic

Black and white photographic print of an exhibit panel from the "Deeds of Valor" exhibition held at the Detroit Historical Museum. The two images affixed to the panel feature painted imagery from the Civil War. The text above the right images reads, "Lt. William G. Whitney, Co. B. 11th Michigan Infantry Regiment, At Chickamauga, Tennessee, September 20, 1863, the 11th Michigan Infantry was in General Thomas' Corps, which held the field the longest in that battle. After five successive charges by the Confederates on the Union lines, the 11th Michigan found themselves out of ammunition. The Rebels were about 100 yards in front of the Union lines preparing for another attack with sharpshooters shooting at any man raising his head above the light works of the Union line. Between the approaching lines lay the dead and wounded left by the Confederate charges. These men were armed with same caliber weapons as the Union soldiers and Lt. Whitney decided to obtain ammunitions from these fallen men for his own troops. He took out his knife, stepped over the earthworms and with the rebels firing at him cut off the cartridge boxes of the enemy, throwing them back to his men, securing a few rounds for each man. The enemy charged one more time and were again repulsed, then darkness fell and ended the battle, for this heroic deed, Lt. Whitney received the Medal of Honor." The image below the text depicts Lt. Whitney retrieving ammunitions for his men. Also, the text affixed on the left side of the panel reads, "Lt. Col. F.W. Swift, 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment at Knoxville, Tennessee, November 16, 1863. The Medal of Honor was awarded to Lt. Co. F.W. Swift for his actions near Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 16, 1863. His wit was to act as a rear guard for the retreat of the brigade in Knoxville. Their orders were to stand and present the Confederate troops from crossing the river. However, when the rebels attacked, the Union soldiers started crossing the river without orders. Lt. Col. Swift fearing unrest, crossed the river himself, and seizing the colors after three color-bearers hand been downed forced the men around him for a stand. The Confederates crossed the river in pursuit. The Union troops counter-charged and the Confederate troops crossed the river in panic. Then, the retreat of the brigade was accomplished in good order." The above imagery depicts the actions of Lt. Col. Swift. The date is stamped on the verso, "Apr 2 1963."