Cecil Clay

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Cecil Clay (February 13, 1842 – September 23, 1903) was an American Civil War officer and a Medal of Honor recipient. He was born in Philadelphia and studied at the University of Pennsylvania, where he joined the St. Anthony Hall fraternity.

During the Civil War, Clay served as captain of Company K, 58th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He rose through the ranks, becoming major on September 30, 1864, and lieutenant colonel on November 19, 1864. On September 29, 1864, at Fort Harrison, Virginia, he led a charge, was wounded in action (losing his right arm and severely injuring his left arm), and carried the colors under fire. For his gallantry, he received the Medal of Honor, with the award issued on April 19, 1892. He mustered out of volunteer service on January 24, 1866. President Andrew Johnson later nominated him for brevet brigadier general of volunteers, rank from March 13, 1865; the Senate confirmed this on April 10, 1866.

After the war, Clay worked as a lumber merchant and became president of the St. Lawrence Boom and Manufacturing Company in 1870. From 1883 to 1903, he served as chief clerk and general agent of the United States Department of Justice. He was also a colonel in the District of Columbia National Guard (2nd Regiment) from 1887 to 1897 and chaired the Board of Reform School in Washington, D.C. He was active in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), joining as Companion No. 00149 in 1866 and helping form the DC Commandery in 1882.

Cecil Clay died in Washington, D.C., and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.