Civilian Medal of Honor Recipients — Only six civilians hold the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medals were awarded in the 19th century. They were stripped up of them in 1917 — along with 905 others — 834 of whom were with the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment who received it for merely re-enlisting, and 29 of whom were with the Lincoln Funeral Guard — when the criteria was strengthened. This included limiting the honor to military personnel.
In 1977, the civilians, all of whom performed acts of indisputable heroism, had their medals reinstated.
The six are Dr. Mary Walker, who was a surgeon during the Civil War; William H. Woodall, a scout during the Civil War; and Indian campaign scouts Amos Chapman, William F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody, William Dixon , and James B. Dozier.
Civilian Medal of Honor Recipients William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 2-26-18
