Born in the town of Pembroke, New Hampshire, Byron Cutcheon’s path to military service began far from home. After moving west for his education and graduating from the University of Michigan, he was practicing law when the Civil War broke out. He answered the call to service in Ypsilanti, Michigan, joining the 20th Michigan Infantry.

By the spring of 1863, Cutcheon held the rank of Major. On May 10, 1863—just one day before his 27th birthday—his unit was engaged in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Kentucky. During the heat of the conflict, a strategic house on the battlefield was occupied by Confederate forces, providing them with a fortified position to fire upon the Union lines.

Major Cutcheon distinguished himself by personally leading his regiment in a direct charge against the occupied house. His “distinguished gallantry” during this assault was instrumental in dislodging the enemy from their position. For these actions, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

Following the war, Cutcheon returned to the legal profession and eventually served his country again in a different capacity as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His legacy remains that of a scholar and a citizen-soldier who led from the front when his regiment faced its toughest moments.