Frank Baldwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major General Frank Dwight Baldwin
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Frank D. Baldwin
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| Born | June 26, 1842 Manchester, Michigan |
| Died | April 22, 1923 (aged 80) Denver, Colorado |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861, 1862–1865, 1866–1906 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  19th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry19th U.S. Infantry Regiment 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment 4th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 27th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Spanish–American War World War I |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor (2) |
| Signature |  |
Frank Dwight Baldwin (born June 26, 1842 – died April 22, 1923) was an American soldier. He was born in Manchester, Michigan. Frank Baldwin is one of only 19 soldiers in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.
He earned his first Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. He bravely led his company and captured two enemy officers. His second award came in 1874 for his courage during the Indian Wars. He is special because he received this award in two different conflicts. Baldwin also fought in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He eventually became a major general before he retired.
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A Brave Soldier's Journey
Frank Baldwin began his military career during the American Civil War. He joined the 19th Michigan Infantry in 1862. He fought in many battles with his regiment until 1865. In 1864, as a Captain, he joined General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous March to the Sea. On July 20, 1864, he showed great bravery at the Battle of Peachtree Creek. This act earned him his first Medal of Honor.
After the Civil War, Baldwin went to Hillsdale College. But he soon joined the U.S. Army again in 1866. He was assigned to the 5th U.S. Infantry. With this unit, he fought in conflicts on the frontier against Native American tribes. He worked closely with General Nelson A. Miles. He was a chief scout during campaigns against famous leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
Rescuing Captives
On November 8, 1874, Frank Baldwin led a scout company. They were on escort duty when they found the camp of a Native American leader named Grey Beard. Baldwin led a surprise attack. His brave actions helped rescue two young sisters. Their parents and brothers had been killed by another group of Native Americans. He received his second Medal of Honor for this daring rescue. He attacked a larger force in a strong defensive spot. This showed incredible courage.
Later, on December 18, 1876, he led another attack on a village in Montana. This action earned him a special honor called a brevet of captain. This meant he was recognized for the rank of captain, even though his official rank was still first lieutenant.
Later Military Service
Baldwin also served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He continued to rise through the ranks. On June 9, 1902, he became a brigadier general. He retired from the army in 1906. In 1915, he was promoted to major general on the Army's retired list.
During World War I, Baldwin served again. He was the Adjutant General for the Colorado National Guard from 1917 to 1919.
Frank Baldwin married Alice Blackwood on January 10, 1867. They had one daughter named Juanita. He passed away in Denver, Colorado on April 22, 1923. He is buried with his wife Alice at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
A Lasting Legacy
Frank Baldwin's wife, Alice Blackwood Baldwin, wanted to honor his bravery. In 1929, she put together and edited his memories from the war. These were published as his memoirs. Frank Baldwin is one of four soldiers who received the Medal of Honor twice and are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The others are Navy Lieutenant Commander John C. McCloy, Marine Major Louis Cukela, and Marine Corporal John Henry Pruitt.
Awards for Bravery
Frank Baldwin received many awards for his service. His two Medals of Honor stand out.
First Medal of Honor
- Rank and organization: Captain, Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry.
- Where and when: At Peachtree Creek, Georgia, on July 20, 1864.
- What he did: He led his company in a counterattack at Peachtree Creek. He went ahead of his own men under heavy fire. He bravely entered the enemy's lines alone. There, he captured two armed enemy officers and a flag from a Georgia regiment.
- Awarded on: December 3, 1891.
Second Medal of Honor
- Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 5th U.S. Infantry.
- Where and when: At McClellan's Creek, Texas, on November 8, 1874.
- What he did: He rescued two white girls with just two companies of soldiers. He attacked a group of Native Americans who had more fighters and a strong position. Waiting for more help would have let the Native Americans escape and possibly harm their captives.
- Awarded on: November 27, 1894.
Other Recognitions
Besides his Medals of Honor, Frank Baldwin received several campaign medals:
- Civil War Campaign Medal
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
In 2004, Frank Baldwin was honored by being inducted into the Hillsdale County, Michigan Veteran's Hall of Fame. This recognized his important service in the American Civil War.
Images for kids
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Frank D. Baldwin
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Signature of Frank Dwight Baldwin
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Baldwin (right) with Buffalo Bill in 1891
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Frank Baldwin's charge on Grey Beard's Band, McClellan's Creek, Texas, November 8, 1874
