William Henry Harrison Benyaurd

William Henry Harrison Benyaurd (May 17, 1841 – February 7, 1900) was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions at Five Forks, Virginia on April 1, 1865.

Military career Benyaurd graduated sixth in his class at West Point in 1863. Upon graduation he was immediately promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

In August 1864 he was breveted to the rank of captain for "gallantry and meritorious service" in the campaign before Richmond, Virginia. In April 1865, he received a brevet to major for heroism in the Battle of Five Forks. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 7, 1897, for the same action.

He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1889. During the Spanish–American War he was in charge of submarine defenses (i.e., mines) at Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Florida. He was also in command of defensive fortification on the St. John River in Florida.

He was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Military Order of Foreign Wars.

Legacy The United States Army Corps Of Engineers operates a large towboat named in his honor. The Motor Vessel (M/V) Benyaurd works out of the Corps of Engineers' Mississippi Valley Division in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as is assigned to the Corps' Vicksburg District.

Promotions 1st Lieutenant – June 11, 1863 Brevet Captain – August 1, 1864 Brevet Major – April 1, 1865 Captain – May 1, 1866 Major – March 4, 1879 Lieutenant Colonel – July 2, 1889

Medal of Honor citation "With one companion, voluntarily advanced in a reconnaissance beyond the skirmishers, where he was exposed to imminent peril; also, in the same battle, rode to the front with the commanding general to encourage wavering troops to resume the advance, which they did successfully."