Charles M. Rockefeller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller
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Rockefeller in 1898
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| Born | September 18, 1844 Gallatin, New York |
| Died | April 28, 1899 (aged 54) Philippines |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-189 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit |  Company A, 178th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller (1844–1899) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He won the Medal of Honor, which is a very special award. He earned it for his actions during the American Civil War. This happened at the Battle of Fort Blakeley in Alabama on April 9, 1865. He was not part of the well-known Rockefeller family.
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Charles Rockefeller's Civil War Service
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller was born in Gallatin, New York, on September 18, 1844. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Union Army as a private. This was in New York City on April 26, 1861. He was part of the 7th New York Militia. His unit was held back during the First Battle of Bull Run and did not fight. He left this service on August 2 of the same year.
Later, on October 17, 1863, Rockefeller became a first lieutenant. He joined Company A of the 178th New York Infantry. He showed great courage at the Battle of Fort Blakeley in Alabama. This battle took place on April 9, 1865. For his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor on August 2, 1897.
What He Did to Earn the Medal of Honor
The official award description for his Medal of Honor says:
- He went alone and voluntarily, under heavy enemy fire.
- He gathered important information that a group of 25 soldiers had tried to get earlier.
- That group had failed and suffered many losses.
- The information he found helped plan the attack that followed.
- He also moved forward with a few soldiers, even with bullets flying from both sides.
- He captured 300 enemy soldiers who would have otherwise escaped.
Rockefeller finished his Civil War service on April 20, 1866. Years later, on June 10, 1885, he joined a group called the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This group was for officers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Charles Rockefeller's Army Career After the Civil War
Rockefeller continued his military career. He became a second lieutenant in the 9th Infantry on September 3, 1867. He was promoted to first lieutenant on March 11, 1878. Then, he became a captain on August 15, 1889.
When the Spanish–American War started in 1898, Rockefeller was sent to Columbus Barracks in Ohio. He helped organize new soldiers there. On July 30, he went to Puerto Rico. He worked with Major General Frederick D. Grant until November 1898. After that, he returned to the United States.
On March 28, 1899, he sailed from San Francisco with the 9th Infantry. They were heading to the Philippines.
His Time in the Philippines
Rockefeller arrived in the Philippines on April 26, 1899. Just two days later, on April 28, he was captured by Filipino rebels. This happened near Caloocan while he was checking on his battalion's outposts. His papers were found about two and a half miles from where he was last seen. It was thought he got lost before being captured.
After he was captured, he was promoted to major in the 6th Infantry. This promotion was dated March 16, 1899.
Rockefeller was never found. It was believed that the rebels killed him. A Spanish officer, who was rescued from being held by the rebels, said he saw Rockefeller alive on December 12, 1899.
The Army officially removed Rockefeller from its records on May 12, 1900. His body was never found, and there was no clear proof of what happened to him.
Awards and Medals
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller received several awards for his service:
- Medal of Honor
- Civil War Campaign Medal
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Army of Puerto Rican Occupation Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
It's important to know that most of these medals were created after Major Rockefeller passed away. He was awarded them later based on his service.
Images for kids
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Back of Medal
