Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Lacon, Illinois, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, 11th Illinois Infantry, Union Army. On April 22, 1863, during the Battle of Vicksburg Mississippi, 2nd Lieutenant Vernay volunteered to command the steamer Horizon to transport Union supplies across Mississippi River. Together with his crew, he daringly passed beneath the Confederate fort batteries under a heavy fire and delivered the cargo. For gallantly in the face of the enemy, he promoted 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 1, 1898.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Lacon, Illinois, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, 11th Illinois Infantry, Union Army. On April 22, 1863, during the Battle of Vicksburg Mississippi, 2nd Lieutenant Vernay volunteered to command the steamer Horizon to transport Union supplies across Mississippi River. Together with his crew, he daringly passed beneath the Confederate fort batteries under a heavy fire and delivered the cargo. For gallantly in the face of the enemy, he promoted 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 1, 1898.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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