French received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Seven Pines in Virginia on May 31, 1862.

[1][2][3] French was born in Erie County, New York, on April 23, 1841.

He died on February 17, 1913, and his remains are interred at the Gilford Cemetery in Michigan.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Samuel S. French, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 31 May 1862, while serving with Company E, 7th Michigan Infantry, in action at Fair Oaks, Virginia.

Private French continued fighting, although wounded, until he fainted from loss of blood.