Delavan Bates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delavan Bates
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Bvt. Brig. Gen. Delavan Bates
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| Born | March 17, 1840 Schoharie County, New York |
| Died | December 19, 1918 (aged 78) Aurora, Nebraska |
| Buried |
Aurora Cemetery, Aurora, Nebraska
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit |  121st Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry30th United States Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Crater |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Delavan Bates (born March 17, 1840 – died December 19, 1918) was a brave American soldier. He fought in the American Civil War. Bates received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States. He earned it for his actions during the Battle of the Crater in Virginia on July 30, 1864. He received this special award on June 22, 1891.
Delavan Bates' Early Life and Military Service
Delavan Bates was born on March 17, 1840. In August 1862, he joined the army, becoming part of the 121st New York Infantry. This was during the American Civil War.
During his time in the army, Bates was involved in several important battles. He fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg. There, he was captured by the enemy and held for about two weeks. Luckily, he was later released as part of a prisoner exchange. He also took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Bravery and the Medal of Honor
In March 1864, Bates became a colonel, which is a high-ranking officer. He led the 30th United States Colored Infantry. This unit was made up of African American soldiers.
On July 30, 1864, Bates led his troops in the Battle of the Crater. This was a very tough battle. During the fighting, he was seriously injured. Despite his injuries, Bates showed incredible bravery. He was one of 23 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their courage in this battle.
By the end of the war, Bates had been promoted again. He became a Brevet Brigadier General. This was an honorary rank given for his excellent service. He left the army in December 1865.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Delavan Bates settled down. He lived in Salisbury, North Carolina for a short time. Then, he moved back to West Richmondville, New York.
On January 2, 1870, he married Lana Ann Green. They had five children together. Bates worked as a merchant and storekeeper. He passed away in Aurora, Nebraska, on December 18, 1918. He is buried in Aurora Cemetery.
