Presented here is a one-page article I did once for Father’s Day and to support immigrants.
In celebration of Father’s Day, I wish to celebrate the contributions of our German forefathers in US History.
Apart from America’s indigenous peoples, America is a nation of immigrants and the descendents of immigrants. From before and continually after Joseph Bucklin fired the first official shot of our Revolutionary War, immigrants built the fabric of America, defended her against all enemies foreign and domestic, and have received the nation’s highest honors.
We continue their efforts to build a more perfect union. The highest honor for contributing to the love of our country is recognized by the US Medal of Honor for military personnel and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for civilian personnel.
The Medal of Honor was created during the Civil War, and since then over 700 immigrants have received America’s highest military honor. To recognize their contribution and in remembrance of the Civil War’s end on May 9, 1865, I would like to honor a few of the German immigrants who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. Most only list Germany as their birth place. They are listed by name, rank, place of action, and citation.
Johann Christoph Julius Langbein, Musician Vicksburg, Mississippi
A drummer boy, 15 years of age, he voluntarily and under heavy fire went to the aid of a wounded officer, procured medical assistance for him, and aided in carrying him to a place of safety.
Richard Enderlin, Musician Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Voluntarily took a rifle and served as a soldier in the ranks during the first and second days of battle. Voluntarily and at his own imminent peril went into the enemy’s lines [at] night and, (sic) under a sharp fire, rescued a wounded comrade.
Charles Bieger, Private Ivy Farm, Mississippi
Voluntarily risked his life by taking a horse, under heavy fire, beyond the line of battle for the rescue of his captain, whose horse had been killed in a charge and who was surrounded by the enemy’s skirmishers.
Abraham Cohn, Captain Petersburg, Virginia
During Battle of the Wilderness rallied and formed, under heavy fire, disorganized and fleeing troops of different regiments. At Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864, bravely and coolly carried orders to the advanced line under severe fire.
Conrad Schmidt, First Sergeant Winchester, Virginia
First Sergeant Schmidt went to the assistance of his regimental commander, whose horse had been killed under him in a charge, mounted the officer behind him, under a heavy fire from the enemy, and returned him to his command.
William Wells, Quartermaster Mobile Bay, Alabama
As landsman and lookout on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Wells performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.
Andrew Miller, Sergeant Mobile Bay, Alabama
As captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Miller fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan