Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Grossleiton, Prussia, at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Union Army from St. Louis, Missouri. On April 28 and 29, 1863, U.S. Naval forces were engaged with the Confederate batteries along the Mississippi River at Grand Gulf, Mississippi. During this action, the steamer Cheeseman became unmanageable and was subjected to heavy fire. Private Pesch with three members of Company A, of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery, voluntarily took up positions on the steamer. Throughout the perilous engagement, he took charge of all guns and ammunition on the steamer's battery. For Gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 10, 1896. He died at age 68 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Grossleiton, Prussia, at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Union Army from St. Louis, Missouri. On April 28 and 29, 1863, U.S. Naval forces were engaged with the Confederate batteries along the Mississippi River at Grand Gulf, Mississippi. During this action, the steamer Cheeseman became unmanageable and was subjected to heavy fire. Private Pesch with three members of Company A, of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery, voluntarily took up positions on the steamer. Throughout the perilous engagement, he took charge of all guns and ammunition on the steamer's battery. For Gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 10, 1896. He died at age 68 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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