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Allegany Cemetery

Born:  June 14, 1824 at Groton, NY

Entered Service in the US Army from Allegany, NY

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism May 08, 1864 at Dug Gap, GA

On May 8, 1864, the 154th new York Infantry engaged a rebel force in a strong position at a place called Rocky Face Ridge (Dug Gap), near Dalton, Georgia. Following an assault on the rocky precipice, the regiment fell back, leaving behind Corporal George Greek, a member of the color guard, who had been wounded in both legs. Tent-mates Sergeants Stephen Welch and Charles McKay volunteered to rescue the man, and returned up the precipice under a withering fire. Sergeant Welch recalled, "The poor fellow had been trying to drag himself along with his hands, and had sunk down, overcome by faintness and exhaustion. McKay revived him with a drink from his canteen, after which the corporal raising himself on his elbow, asked if the colors were safe. We assured him that they were, and he dropped down again, satisfied and happy. We rolled him on a blanket, picked him up, and with bullets whizzing about us, managed to get him off the field." Both Sergeant Welch and Sergeant McKay were awarded the Medal of Honor for their volunteer efforts to aid a comrade, at the risk of their own lives.