 The 1st Iowa Infantry was raised for three-months duty from May until August 1861.It helped secure the strategic Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in northern Missouri, then endured a series of forced marches across the state, finally fighting with distinction in the Battle of Wilson's Creek, a task rewarded by the official Thanks of Congress, and two Iowans would later be awarded the Medal of Honor for their efforts in the fighting.There were no significant battles in Iowa, but the state sent large supplies of food to the armies and the eastern cities.