Charles M. Betts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles M. Betts
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | August 9, 1838 Bucks County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | November 10, 1905 Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
West Laurel Hill Cemetery
|
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit |  15th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Charles Malone Betts (born August 9, 1838 – died November 10, 1905) was an American soldier. He served as a Lieutenant colonel during the American Civil War. Betts earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States. He received this honor for his actions in Greensboro, North Carolina, on April 19, 1865. The award was given to him on October 10, 1892.
Contents
About Charles M. Betts
Charles M. Betts was born on August 9, 1838. He grew up on a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He went to school at the Loller Academy in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Later, he studied at Gummere's School in Burlington, New Jersey.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Charles Betts joined a military company in Pennsylvania. He then became part of the Army of the Potomac in Alexandria, Virginia. This was a very important army for the Union side.
In August 1862, he returned to Pennsylvania. He officially joined the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry regiment. This unit played a big role in many battles.
Key Military Actions
Betts and his regiment were involved in several important battles. One of these was the Battle of Stone River. They also had a fight with Cherokee Indians near Gatlinburg in East Tennessee.
In April 1865, Betts was a lieutenant colonel. He led his regiment to capture enemy wagons. These wagons held a lot of valuable items. They found about $4 million worth of silver coins, bank notes, and bonds.
Medal of Honor Action
Charles Betts received the Medal of Honor for his leadership. He led his regiment to successfully capture a cavalry battalion from South Carolina. This brave action happened near Greensboro, North Carolina. It showed his courage and skill as a military leader.
Life After the War
Betts left the army on June 21, 1865. After the war, he worked in the lumber business. He was involved with different lumber companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery. This was part of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. In 1890, he became the president of the Lumbermen's Exchange.
Charles M. Betts passed away on November 10, 1905. He was buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
