Bernard Laiboldt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Laiboldt
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| Born | 1827 Grand Duchy of Baden |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Union Missouri |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | 2nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry 2nd Bde, 5th Div, Army of the Mississippi 35th Bde, 11th Div, Army of the Ohio 2nd Bde, 3rd Div, XX Corps, Army of the Cumberland |
| Battles/wars |
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| Other work | St. Louis Police Commissioner, 1865–66 |
Bernard Laiboldt (born in 1827) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led the 2nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry regiment. Born in Germany, Laiboldt moved to the United States as a child. He fought in the Mexican–American War before the Civil War began.
During the Civil War, Laiboldt started as a lieutenant colonel. He led his regiment in important battles like Pea Ridge. He also commanded larger groups of soldiers, called brigades, at the Siege of Corinth and the Battle of Perryville. He took over command at the Stones River after his commander was killed. He continued to lead his troops at the Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Laiboldt left the army in December 1864. After the war, he served as the St. Louis Police Commissioner.
Early Life and Military Start
Bernard Laiboldt was born in 1827 in a place called the Grand Duchy of Baden. This area is now part of Germany. When he was six years old, his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Many other Germans also settled there.
In 1846, Laiboldt decided to join the army. He volunteered to fight in the Mexican–American War. He first served in a unit called the 1st Missouri St. Louis Legion. Later, he moved to the 3rd Missouri Santa Fe Infantry. In 1852, he joined the Missouri Riflemen Militia Company in St. Louis. He quickly became its captain. His fellow soldiers gave him a special sword and scabbard. Part of this scabbard is still kept in the Missouri Civil War Museum today.
Civil War Battles
Bernard Laiboldt played a key role in many battles during the Civil War. He was known for his courage and leadership.
Fighting in 1863–1864
In 1864, the Atlanta Campaign began. This was a major series of battles. Laiboldt was in charge of the 2nd Missouri regiment. His regiment was part of a larger army group. On May 14, 1864, his regiment was sent to Dalton, Georgia.
On August 14, 1864, Confederate cavalry led by Joseph Wheeler demanded that Laiboldt surrender Dalton. Laiboldt bravely refused. He said he was there to defend the post, not to give up. After some fighting, Wheeler's soldiers pushed Laiboldt's skirmishers back. These Union soldiers were inside their forts on a hill. Wheeler's troops attacked but were pushed back.
Wheeler then sent a message asking for a truce. Laiboldt warned that any more approaches would be met with fire. The fighting continued. Wheeler used cannons to shell the Union positions late at night. He retreated early the next morning.
In this fight, known as the Second Battle of Dalton, Laiboldt had about 288 fit men. He also had 94 sick or injured soldiers, 52 cavalry troopers, 30 wagon drivers, and 20 scouts. His troops suffered five killed, 12 wounded, and 23 captured. The 2nd Missouri regiment finished its service in September 1864. Laiboldt was officially relieved of duty in December 1864.
