behind AotW

Known as Frank, George Frank Lemon (not Lamon) remained in San Francisco, CA in 1848 after his Mexican War service, became prominent in local politics, and survived two duels. In 1861 he came east for President Lincoln’s inauguration then went to New York City and enrolled as Major of the 32nd New York Infantry. He was seriously wounded in the thigh in action at Crampton’s Gap on 14 September 1862.

He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel while in the hospital in October and on 3 November “a speedy recovery [was] beyond doubt,” but then he began to bleed and his health declined. A last-ditch amputation couldn’t save him and he died from the “shock” of it on 10 November 1862.

His medical care is found in some detail in the US Army Surgeon General’s Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion (1870), his case seen here. His portrait photograph is from a set in the Library of Congress.