Walk of Valor

In recognition of March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day, the Williamsburg Battlefield Association will host WALK of VALOR.

Storyboards and character interpretations will present the stories of Union soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions at the May 5, 1862 Battle of Williamsburg, contraband who impacted the battle and emancipation movement, and Confederate soldiers who acted beyond the normal call of duty. 

Listen to Sgt. John N. Coyne of the 70th NY Infantry describe his harrowing encounter with a Confederate flag bearer and the hand-to-hand combat that ensued.  Meet Lettie, who courageously ran away from enslavement on the Custis Farm and became a washer woman with the Union Army despite fears and hopes for the future.  Encounter Edmund S. Pendleton, a sergeant of remarkable skill and bravery in the 4th VA Cavalry who carried a secret in his pocket throughout the war.

Manned exhibits will also inform guests of the significant Williamsburg battlefield tracts saved from development by the American Battlefield Trust and what happened on them during the fighting.