Henry G. Bonebrake

Lieutenant Henry G. Bonebrake (June 21, 1838 - October 26, 1912) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Bonebrake received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Five Forks in Virginia on 1 April 1865. He was honored with the award on 3 May 1865.

Biography Bonebrake was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania to Henry (1798–1879) and Anna Stewart Bonebrake (1804–1861). Before the war he attended schools in the Washington Township and then became a teacher.

Bonebrake enlisted into the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry During the Battle of Five Forks on 1 April 1865, Bonebrake spotted a color-bearer urging on his fellow Confederates. Bonebrake attempted to take the flag, during which time a fight ensued between the two resulting in Bonebrake capturing the flag. He was presented with a Medal of Honor on 3 May 1865 for this act of bravery. He mustered out of the army on 21 June 1865, along with the rest of his company.

Bonebrake was honored twice by Franklin County in 1987 and again in 2002 for earning the community's only Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. A bronze tablet was dedicated to his memory.

Medal of Honor citation