Albert E. Fernald of Winterport (1838-1908) enlisted as a private in Co. K of the 20th Maine Infantry in June 1864. He was promoted to sergeant in 1863 and 1st lieutenant of Co. F in 1864.

Fernald won a medal of honor at Five Forks, Virginia, on April 1, 1865 when the Union army was attempting to rout Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from his position. Unable to set up trenches or other defensive positions, the Union forces charged into Lee's lines. Fernald was reportedly at the rear when the battle started, then, along with the 20th Maine, moved forward. Fernald got past the Confederate breastworks and grabbed the Confederate flag before the rest of his regiments got to the breastworks.

After the war, he was a tailor in Winterport.

He was breveted as a captain.