MASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMAN ‘JOEL.M.FLETCHER, PRVT.E.5TH REG’.
Joel M Fletcher age 25 of Medford, MA, enlisted on 16th April 1861 and was mustered into Company ‘E’, 5th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on 1st May 1861. He was Mustered Out on 31st July 1861 but on 20th August 1862 he reenlisted into Company ‘C’ 39th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, being promoted Corporal. Fletcher was badly wounded at Petersburg on 18th of June 1864; Severely wounded in right leg, amputated. He died of wounds on 28th August 1864 at Alexandria, VA.
Battles/campaigns the 39th Regiment participated in include; Defences of Washington, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spotsylvania (where the Regiment suffered very badly), Cold Harbour and the siege of Petersburg.
Condition EF. A scarce medal to a soldier who died of wounds.