Career
After emigrating from Prussia, Westerhold joined the Army from New York City in October 1861, and was assigned to the 52nd New York Infantry. He was commissioned as an officer a few days after his Ministry of Health action, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania, Virginia.
He is credited with risking his life to capture the flag of a Confederate Army regiment, the 23rd Virginia Infantry.
