Sagelhurst received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.

[1] Sagelhurst's medal was won for his gallantry at the Battle of Hatcher's Run in Virginia on February 6, 1865.

[1][2] Sagelhurst was born in Buffalo, New York, entered service in Jersey City, New Jersey, and was later buried in Buffalo.

[1] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Christopher Sagelhurst, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 6 February 1865, while serving with Company B, 1st New York Cavalry, in action at Hatcher's Run, Virginia.

Under a heavy fire from the enemy, Sergeant Sagelhurst carried off the field a commissioned officer who was severely wounded and also led a charge on the enemy's rifle pits.