Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions: 4.5" H x 2.25" W x 0.5" D

Physical Description

Brass colored metal on ribbon.

Specific History

Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to Frank E. Brownell, Private, Company A, 11th New York Infantry. On 24 May 1861 Brownell killed John Marshall, the murderer of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Ellsworth was the commanding officer of Brownell's company, and the first Union officer killed in the Civil War. He was shot by Marshall as Ellsworth attempted to lower the Confederate flag flying from the Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia. Brownell received two Medals of Honor; the first one issued to him was inscribed on the reverse: "The Congress to Sergeant Frank E. Brownell Co. 4 11th New York Volunteers". Brownell was not pleased with the inscription, and sent the medal back. He was given a new medal, inscribed "The Congress to Sergt Frank E. Brownell, 11th N.Y. Vol Inf'y for gallantry in shooting the murderer of Col. Ellsworth at Alexandria, VA, May 24, 1861", which Brownell had written himself.