He was awarded the medal on February 15, 1897, for actions performed at the Battle of Lenoir's Station in Tennessee in November 1863.

[3] Swift enlisted in the Army as a captain on July 29, 1862, in Detroit and was assigned to Company F of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment on August 26, 1862.

Swift, however, was able to take command by grabbing the unit colors and inspiring the men to form up on him.

[3] Swift's Medal of Honor citation reads:[2] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel Frederic William Swift, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 November 1863, while serving with 17th Michigan Infantry, in action at Lenoire Station, Tennessee.

Lieutenant Colonel Swift gallantly seized the colors and rallied the regiment after three Color Bearers had been shot and the regiment, having become demoralized, was in imminent danger of capture.Swift was promoted to lieutenant colonel on November 26, 1863, and assumed command of the 17th that same day.