Bruce Anderson (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruce Anderson
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| Born | June 19, 1845 Mexico City |
| Died | August 22, 1922 (aged 77) Albany, New York |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864 - 1865 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit |  Company K, 142nd Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Second Battle of Fort Fisher |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Bruce Anderson (born June 19, 1845 – died August 22, 1922) was an African American soldier. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for bravery. He earned it for his actions at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.
Before joining the army, Bruce was a farmer in New York. During the war, he volunteered for a very risky mission. He and other soldiers had to clear a palisade (a strong fence of pointed logs). This fence was blocking his unit's path. They succeeded in destroying it. Bruce and twelve others were suggested for the Medal of Honor. But their paperwork got lost. Years later, Bruce hired a lawyer to help him get the medal. He and two other soldiers finally received it in 1914.
Biography
Bruce Anderson was born on June 19, 1845, in Mexico City. When the Civil War began, he was working as a farmer in New York State. He joined the military in Schenectady on August 31, 1864. He became a private in Company K of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry. It was unusual for an African American soldier to serve in a white regiment during the Civil War, but Bruce Anderson did.
Bravery at Fort Fisher
On January 15, 1865, Bruce Anderson took part in a major attack. This was the Union army's second attack on Fort Fisher in North Carolina. The soldiers faced a tough challenge. A large wooden fence, called a palisade, blocked their way.
Bruce and twelve other men bravely volunteered for a dangerous job. They had to go ahead of the main attack. Their mission was to cut down this strong palisade. Enemy soldiers from the Confederate side fired heavily at them. Despite the intense fire, Bruce and the other volunteers successfully destroyed the obstacle.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
General Adelbert Ames was very impressed by their bravery. He recommended all thirteen men for the Medal of Honor. However, his report was misplaced. Because of this, not all the medals were given out at that time.
Many years later, in 1914, Bruce Anderson decided to act. He hired a lawyer to help him get the Medal of Honor he deserved. One of the other soldiers from that mission, Private Zachariah C. Neahr, had already received his medal years earlier.
Because of Bruce's efforts, the Army began an investigation. They found General Ames' original letter of recommendation. They also looked for the other brave men from the group. Three men were still alive: Alaric B. Chapin, George Merrill, and Dewitt C. Hotchkiss.
On December 28, 1914, Bruce Anderson, George Merrill, and Alaric Chapin officially received their Medals of Honor. It was 49 years after the end of the war!
Later Life and Death
After the war, Bruce Anderson lived for some time in Illinois. He later returned to New York. He settled in the city of Amsterdam. Bruce Anderson passed away on August 22, 1922. He was 77 years old. He died in a hospital in Albany, New York. He was buried at Green Hill Cemetery in Amsterdam.
