Harvey M. Munsell

Harvey May Munsell (January 5, 1843 – February 19, 1913) was an American soldier who fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Munsell received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken over the course of 13 engagements from July 1–3, 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Civil War service Munsell enlisted with the 32nd Pennsylvania (later renumbered the 99th) in Philadelphia at age 18. He had been managing a lumberyard for his uncle in Oil City, Pennsylvania at the time the Civil War began, and enlisted in the Union Army due to his opposition to slavery. Due to his short stature, and reported to be only 100 pounds, Munsell was turned away at all enlistment sites along the way from Oil City until he reached Philadelphia, where there was such a high demand for volunteers that his small size was overlooked. He was enlisted as a private, and was made color-bearer.