Joseph Alton Sladen

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph Alton Sladen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 14 May 1864, while serving with Company A, 33d Massachusetts Infantry, in action at Resaca, Georgia. While detailed as clerk at headquarters, Private Sladen voluntarily engaged in action at a critical moment and personal example inspired the troops to repel the enemy.