Charles H. T. Collis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. T. Collis
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| Born | February 4, 1838 County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | May 11, 1902 (aged 64) Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Unit |  114th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands held | 18th Pennsylvania Infantry 114th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Fredericksburg • Battle of Chancellorsville • Siege of Petersburg |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles Henry Tucker "Tucky" Collis (born February 4, 1838 – died May 11, 1902) was an amazing Irish-American officer in the United States Army. He earned the highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the American Civil War.
Contents
Life of a War Hero
Early Years and New Home
Charles Collis was born in County Cork, Ireland. When he was about 15 years old, in 1853, he moved with his father to the United States. Charles was a very good cricket player. He even played against the first English cricket team to visit North America in 1859.
After studying law, he became a lawyer in 1859.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Charles Collis joined the army. He enlisted in the 18th Pennsylvania Infantry. In just three months, he was promoted to sergeant major, a high rank for an enlisted soldier.
After his first time in the army, he became a captain in August 1861. He then gathered a group of soldiers from European immigrants. This special company was called Collis' Independent Company "Zouaves d'Afrique" (African Zouaves).
Leading in Battle
On September 1, 1862, Collis was promoted to colonel. This happened after his unit fought very well in the Shenandoah Valley. He was then asked to create a new regiment, which became the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry.
He led this regiment during the Battle of Fredericksburg. For his brave actions in this battle, he later received the Medal of Honor. He was later wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He also became sick with typhoid fever. But he recovered by August 1863. After recovering, he became a commander of a group of brigades under Major General David B. Birney.
Later War Service and Honors
On December 12, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Collis for an honorary rank. This rank was brigadier general of volunteers. The U.S. Senate approved this on February 14, 1865.
Collis was given command of his own independent brigade. He led this unit during the Siege of Petersburg. He left the volunteer army on May 29, 1865. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Collis for another honorary rank. This was major general of volunteers. The U.S. Senate confirmed this on March 12, 1866.
After the War
After the war, Collis went back to being a lawyer. He became an Assistant City Solicitor in Philadelphia. Charles Collis passed away in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 1902. He was buried at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
