Daniel A. Dorsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel A. Dorsey
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| Born | December 31, 1838 Lancaster, Ohio |
| Died | May 10, 1918 (aged 79) Wadsworth, Kentucky |
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit |  33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment - Company H |
| Battles/wars | Great Locomotive Chase |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Daniel Allen Dorsey (born December 31, 1838 – died May 10, 1918) was a brave American soldier. He served during the American Civil War. Daniel Dorsey earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in combat. He received this honor for his actions in April 1862. This special event was called the Great Locomotive Chase in Georgia. He was given the award on September 17, 1863.
Contents
Daniel Dorsey's Early Life and Army Start
Daniel Dorsey was born in Lancaster, Ohio, on December 31, 1838. When he was 22, he joined the army. He became part of the 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This happened in Portsmouth, Ohio, on September 18, 1861. Just a few months later, in November 1861, he was promoted. He became a corporal, which is a junior leader in the army.
The Great Locomotive Chase: A Daring Mission
Daniel Dorsey was one of 22 men in a very secret mission. This mission became famous as the Great Locomotive Chase. The goal was to stop the Confederate army's communication. They planned to damage telegraph lines, bridges, and train tracks. These men were known as Andrews' Raiders. Their leader was a civilian scout named James J. Andrews.
How the Chase Began
On April 12, the Raiders boarded a train in Georgia. When the train stopped in Big Shanty, they took control of it. They then started heading north towards Chattanooga, Tennessee. As they sped along, Confederate soldiers chased them. The Raiders tried to slow down their pursuers. They destroyed parts of the train tracks and telegraph lines.
Capture and Escape
The Raiders could not reach Chattanooga. They had to leave the train and were soon captured. Daniel Dorsey was among those taken prisoner. He was held in a jail in Fulton County. But Daniel Dorsey was clever and brave. On October 16, 1862, he managed to escape from the jail. He quickly rejoined his army company.
Later Military Service and Life
After his daring escape, Daniel Dorsey continued to serve. He fought in the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. This was a very important battle during the Civil War. In 1863, he was promoted again. He became a second lieutenant. Then, in 1864, he was promoted to first lieutenant. Daniel Dorsey left the army on August 24, 1864. He left due to a disability he received during his service.
Life After the War
Soon after leaving the army, Daniel Dorsey married Annie C. Miller. They lived in Circleville, Ohio. Together, they had six children. Daniel Dorsey passed away on May 10, 1918. He was buried at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.
See also
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F
- List of Andrews Raiders
