Aaron Pugh was born in Carroll County, Ohio January 21, 1833 to Aaron Pugh and Mary Greer. He enlisted July 4, 1863 at the age of 34 as a fourth Corporal. He was taken prisoner July 30, 1864 at Newnan, Georgia. He died while in Andersonville Prison, October 4, 1864. He is buried at the National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia in grave 10297.

Aaron Pugh was part of the 8th Regiment of the Iowa Cavalry. The regiment was organized at Davenport, Iowa September 30, 1863. The group was attached to Defenses of Nashville and Northwestern Railroad Department of Cumberland until March, 1864. The regiment moved on to Georgia and took part in the Atlanta Campaign, May to September, 1864.

Action included Battles of Resaca, and Dallas, New Hope Church, and Altoona Hills. Pugh was taken prisoner July 30, 1864 during McCook's Raid on Atlanta and West Point Railroad at Clear Creek near Newnan, and he was sent to Andersonville Prison.