John G K Ayers

On episode three hundred and thirty-four, the story of John G K Ayers is told. All stories in July and August will be recipients from the American Civil War Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com.

John was born on the 30th of October, 1837, in Washtenaw County, Michigan, and he enlisted in Company H of the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry in 1861. His actions during the Siege of Vicksburg would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

For gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party on 22 May 1863.

John was one of 150 volunteers and one of seventy-eight survivors to receive the Medal of Honor, along side David Ayres on the previous episode. In July 1864, John was mustered out of the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry and he then enlisted in Battery D of the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Light Artillery, where he stayed until the 17th of June, 1865. John G K Ayers received his Medal of Honor on the 31st of March, 1895 and he died on the 30th of July, 1913 at the age of 75. He and his wife Emma are buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers, Michigan: Section G.