Truell was born in Lowell, MA, August 19, 1841. He enlisted in the 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment from Mauston, WI in August 1862 and is accredited to Wisconsin. He died on October 12, 1907, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism on 21 July 1864, while serving with Company E, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, in action at Atlanta, Georgia. Although severely wounded in a charge, Private Truell remained with the regiment until again severely wounded, losing his leg.