William J. Carson (Medal of Honor)

William J. Carson was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Carson served as a Private in Company B, 6th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment (29th Pennsylvania Infantry). He earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism on July 1, 1862, at the Battle of Glendale (also known as Frayser's Farm) in Virginia. His citation reads that he "Captured the flag of the 14th Georgia Infantry (Confederate States of America)."

Carson's act of capturing the enemy flag significantly contributed to the Union effort during the battle. The capture of a battle flag was a symbolic victory and a blow to the morale of the opposing unit.

Details of Carson's life before and after the Civil War are limited. He is remembered primarily for his courageous act at Glendale that resulted in the nation's highest military decoration.