Dennis T. Kirby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Thomas Kirby
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| Born | September 15, 1835 Niagara Falls, New York |
| Died | April 18, 1922 (aged 86) Washington, D.C. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Major Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Dennis Thomas Kirby (September 15, 1835 – April 18, 1922) was a brave soldier who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is famous for receiving the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. military. This award is given for incredible acts of courage.
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Who Was Dennis T. Kirby?
Dennis T. Kirby was born on September 15, 1835, in Niagara Falls, New York. When he was 12, his family moved to Buffalo, New York. Later, in 1854, they moved again to St. Louis, Missouri.
Joining the Army
When the American Civil War began, Dennis Kirby joined the Union Army. He started as a Captain in Company E of the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry on June 25, 1861. He served in Missouri and Kentucky in the early parts of the war.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on August 3, 1863. A Lieutenant Colonel is a high-ranking officer, just below a Colonel.
Heroism in the Civil War
After his time with the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Kirby continued to serve. He became a Colonel and an aide-de-camp for Governor W. P. Hall of Missouri. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a high-ranking official.
He also became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Twenty-Seventh Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He was then chosen to be the chief picket officer for the Seventeenth Army Corps. This meant he was in charge of the soldiers who guarded the main army.
March to the Sea
Kirby was part of the famous "March to the Sea." This was a major military campaign led by General William T. Sherman. The Union Army marched through Georgia, from November 16 to December 13, 1864. They captured cities and destroyed resources important to the Confederacy.
The Medal of Honor
Dennis T. Kirby was awarded the Medal of Honor for his amazing bravery. This happened during the Siege of Vicksburg. The Siege of Vicksburg was a very important battle in the Civil War. It took place in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
During this siege, Kirby showed "extraordinary heroism." He was serving as a Major in the 8th Missouri Infantry at the time. The Medal of Honor was officially given to him on January 31, 1894.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Dennis Kirby continued his military career. He was appointed a Captain in the Thirty-Ninth United States Infantry in 1866. He also received several "brevet" promotions. A brevet rank is an honorary promotion given for brave or excellent service. It doesn't always mean a higher pay or command.
He was brevetted Major for his brave actions at Chickasaw Bayou. He was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel for his courage during the attacks on Vicksburg. He also became a brevet Colonel for his brave service at Chickamauga Creek, Mission Ridge, and Bivers Bridge.
He served in the regular army until 1868. After leaving the army, he lived in Washington, D.C.
Legacy
Dennis Thomas Kirby passed away on April 18, 1922. He was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. His bravery and service during the American Civil War, especially his actions that earned him the Medal of Honor, are remembered as an important part of American history.
