F. Clarence Buck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
F. Clarence Buck
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1843 |
| Died | July 15, 1905 |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | August 17, 1862 to June 16, 1865 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit |  21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry - Company A |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Chaffin's Farm |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Frederick Clarence Buck (born 1843 – died July 15, 1905) was an American soldier. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was part of the 21st Connecticut Infantry Regiment.
Frederick Buck received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States. He earned this award for his actions during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia. This brave act happened on September 29, 1864. He received the medal on April 6, 1865.
Early Life
Frederick Clarence Buck was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1843. For many years, he lived in the town of Windsor, Connecticut.
Serving in the Civil War
Frederick Buck joined the army for the Civil War in the summer of 1862. He signed up on August 17 in Windsor. He officially became a private in Company A of the 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
His unit first joined the Union's Army of the Potomac. They fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. During a difficult winter march, Buck was promoted to corporal on January 20, 1863.
His regiment then took part in the Siege of Suffolk in the spring. They also did guard duty near Portsmouth and Newport News. In early 1864, they joined an expedition along Virginia's James River. They traveled through Fort Powhatan and Smithfield. Then they went to North Carolina for duty in several towns.
Later, they returned to Virginia. They were involved in battles around Petersburg and Richmond. These included fights at Swift Creek and the Battle of Drewry's Bluff. They also fought at Bermuda Hundred and near Cold Harbor. From late August to late September 1864, they were in trench warfare at Bermuda Hundred.
Medal of Honor Action
It was during this time that Frederick Buck showed incredible bravery. He was wounded during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864. Even though he was hurt, he "refused to leave the field until the fight closed." This means he stayed and kept fighting until the battle was over. This brave act earned him the Medal of Honor.
About six months later, in March 1865, he became a first lieutenant. After recovering from his injuries, he returned to his regiment. He continued to serve until his unit was officially dismissed from service. They then returned home to New England.
A newspaper, The New York Times, reported on their return. Buck and his fellow soldiers traveled to New Haven, Connecticut, by train. They had arrived in New York City the night before. The newspaper said that the Twenty-first Regiment was among the first troops to enter Richmond. As they marched, people cheered them loudly. They were even given strawberries at the Battery barracks.
Life After the War
In 1890, Frederick Buck lived at 26 Emerald Street in Boston, Massachusetts.
Later in his life, he suffered from heart disease. On March 13, 1905, he was admitted to a special home for disabled soldiers. This was the U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Johnson City, Tennessee. Records showed he was 61 years old and worked as a laborer. He was living in Patten, Maine before he was admitted.
Frederick Buck passed away at the Soldiers' Home in Mountain, Tennessee, on July 15, 1905. He was buried with military honors. His grave is in the Mountain Home National Cemetery.
