Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers, Ms1992-046, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.5 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Gaujot family and Coulter, John A., 1953-
Abstract:
The Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers contains the papers of two brothers who both attended Virginia Tech and received the U. S. Medal of Honor. The collection includes articles, correspondence, military documents, and research from about 1840-1999.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers, Ms1992-046, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers contains the papers of two brothers who both attended Virginia Tech and received the Medal of Honor, and the collection includes articles, correspondences, military documents, and photographs.

Julien Gaujot's papers consist of copies from Julien Gaujot's military file giving testimony towards his bravery and service at Agua Prieta, Mexico, on April 13, 1911, and documents awarding him the medal in August 1912. Antoine Gaujot papers include citations and military service, information regarding Antoine's murder by Julien's son in 1936, photographs, correspondence, Lt. Col. John Coulter's notes (for book on Virginia Tech Medal of Honor winners) with descriptions of battles and newspaper articles. Some parts of the collection include photocopies of the originals.

Biographical / historical:

Julian Edmond Victor Gaujot and Antoine August Michel Gaujot are brothers who both attended Virginia Tech and received the Medal of Honor. There are only a few brothers to receive the Medal and the only set of brothers to receive from different wars.

Antoine August Michel Gaujot attended VAMC 1896-97 (class of 1900, non-graduate). He received "the medal for actions as an army corporal at the Battle of San Mateo during the Philippine Insurrection. He made persistent effort under heavy enemy rifle fire to locate a ford in order to help his unit cross the swollen river to attack. Unable to accomplish this he swam with a companion again under fire and against a dangerous current across the river to the enemy side. There, he secured an enemy canoe and returned it to the friendly side of the river."

Julien E. Gaujot attended Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (VAMC) from 1889-90, class of 1893; now Virginia Tech. After Antoine earned his medal, "Julien, his brother and a regular army officer, became obsessed with his brother's achievement. Referring to Antoine, Julien said 'He wears it for a watch fob, the damn civilian, I got to get me one of them things for myself if I bust.' Julien Gaujot received the medal for actions on the Mexican Border in 1914. He is the only soldier ever awarded the Medal for actions of a peacekeeping nature. In Douglas, Arizona, stray bullets from fighting among Mexican rebels and government troops caused American casualties. Julien Gaujot crossed the border under heavy fire. He moved between the two groups of belligerents for an hour, amongst heavy fire. This secured the safe passage of the Mexican soldiers and American prisoners over the border to the United States. His actions saved five Americans taken prisoner by the Mexicans, 25 Mexican soldiers plus Americans and Mexican rebels who would have died in continued fighting."

Source:

"Medal of Honor Recipients at Va Tech", Virginia Tech Army ROTC, http://www.armyrotc.vt.edu/aboutus/Medal_Honor.html, archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200332/www.armyrotc.vt.edu/aboutus/Medal_Honor.html, archived version accessed Jan. 24, 2023.

See also:

"War Memorial Court: Medal of Honor recipients", Virginia Tech, https://www.vt.edu/about/locations/buildings/war-memorial-chapel-honor.html, accessed Jan. 24, 2023.

Acquisition information:
The Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers were donated in 1992 and 2000.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Antoine Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot Papers was completed in November 2013.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard