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

[2] He joined the Union Army from Pittsburgh in April 1861, and mustered out with his regiment in June 1864.

[1][4] His medal of honor was awarded for 'securing valuable information' under heavy fire in the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia on May 2, 1863.

[4] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph Gion, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 May 1863, while serving with Company A, 74th New York Infantry, in action at Chancellorsville, Virginia.

Voluntarily and under heavy fire, Private Gion advanced toward the enemy's lines and secured valuable information.