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

[1] Keene's medal was won for his actions at the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia, where he voluntarily seized his regiments colors after several Color Bearers had been shot down and led his regiment in the charge on December 13, 1862.

[3] He re-enlisted with the 3rd New York Heavy Artillery in June 1863, and mustered out with this regiment in July 1865.

[1] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph Keene, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 13 December 1862, while serving with Company B, 26th New York Infantry, in action at Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Private Keene voluntarily seized the colors after several Color Bearers had been shot down and led the regiment in the charge.