William R. Shafter

First Lieutenant

1835 – 1906

Life Service Medal of Honor Decorations Shadow Box In Our Keeping

First Lieutenant William R. Shafter served the U.S. Army. William was 71 years old.

Service Record

U.S. Army

First Lieutenant

Medal of Honor

31 May 1862 · At Fair Oaks, Va. · First Lieutenant, Company I, 7th Michigan Infantry.

Lt. Shafter was engaged in bridge construction and not being needed there returned with his men to engage the enemy participating in a charge across an open field that resulted in casualties to 18 of the 22 men. At the close of the battle his horse was shot from under him and he was severely flesh wounded. He remained on the field that day and stayed to fight the next day only by concealing his wounds. In order not to be sent home with the wounded he kept his wounds concealed for another 3 days until other wounded had left the area.

Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army May 31, 1862 · At Fair Oaks, Va. · First Lieutenant, Company I, 7th Michigan Infantry.

In Our Keeping

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Record added September 17, 2026 neuraweb.nw

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Last updated September 20, 2026

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William R. Shafter

First Lieutenant

U.S. Army

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