Frederick A. Lyon

Frederick A. Lyon (June 25, 1843 – September 23, 1911) was a soldier in the Union Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the American Civil War.

Military career
Lyon enlisted in the 1st Vermont Cavalry and was sworn into federal service on Tuesday, November 19, 1861. He saw service with regiment in the eastern theater. He was at the Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Gettysburg, the Third Battle of Winchester, and the Battle of Cedar Creek. As a corporal in Company A, he captured the mortally wounded Maj. Gen. Stephen Ramseur at Cedar Creek for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company A, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864. Entered service at: Burlington, Vermont. Born: June 25, 1843, Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Date of issue: November 26, 1864.

Citation:

"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Frederick A. Lyon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 19 October 1864, while serving with Company A, 1st Vermont Cavalry, in action at Cedar Creek, Virginia. With one companion, Corporal Lyon captured the flag of a Confederate regiment, three officers, and an ambulance with its mules and driver."

The companion mentioned in his citation was private James Sweeney, who also received the Medal of Honor. Lyon was sent to Washington, D.C., with the captured Confederate battle flag. He was personally introduced to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton by General George Custer. Stanton personally presented the Medal of Honor to Lyon, who was also promoted to sergeant.

Death
Lyon died on September 23, 1911, in Jackson, Michigan. He was buried nearby in Mount Evergreen Cemetery (Soldier's field G-9).