Charles H. Tracy received the Congressional Medal of Honor on November 19, 1887 for his service in the Civil War. Tracy was born in Jewett City, CT son of Albert L. Tracy and moved to Chicopee as a young man. In Chicopee he learned his trade as a Machinist for Ames Manufacturing Company. At the age of 29 on August 6, 1865, Charles H. Tracy enlisted for 3 years in the 37th Regiment, Co. A, Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers. He was mustered into the service on August 15, 1862.
Tracy was promoted to Sergeant shortly after his enlistment. In the engagment at Petersburgh on April 2, 1865, he was wounded and his right leg had to be amputated above the knee in a field hospital. He was promoted to a 2nd Lieutenancy May 17, 1865 but due to delays in the Massachusetts Adjutant General's office, he was never mustered in his new grade. He was discharged from service due to his wounds at Chester, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1865.
After the Civil War, Tracy returned to Chicopee where he was an active member in both the G.A.R., an organization of Civil War veterans, and Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was also Commander of the G.A.R. Post 103 in Chicopee. Charles H. Tracy died on September 13, 1911 and is buried in Chicopee's Fairview Cemetery.
Credits
Brigitte Bisaillon