Frederic W. Swift facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick William Swift
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| Born | 30 January 1831 Mansfield City, Connecticut |
| Died | 30 January 1916 (aged 85) Detroit, Michigan |
| Buried |
Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862-1865 |
| Rank | Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Frederick W. Swift (born January 30, 1831 – died January 30, 1916) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He became a Colonel and earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He received this special medal for his amazing courage during the American Civil War. His heroic actions happened in November 1863 at a place called Lenoir's Station in Tennessee. He was given the Medal of Honor on February 15, 1897.
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Frederick W. Swift's Early Life
Frederick W. Swift was born on January 30, 1831, in Mansfield, Connecticut. He grew up and later got married. He had three children. After the Civil War ended, he worked as the postmaster in Detroit, Michigan. A postmaster is in charge of a post office. Swift passed away on his birthday, January 30, 1916, in Detroit. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.
Joining the Army
Swift joined the Army as a captain on July 29, 1862. He signed up in Detroit, Michigan. On August 26, 1862, he was assigned to Company F of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
A Heroic Moment: The Medal of Honor
On November 16, 1863, Captain Swift and his regiment were acting as the rearguard. This meant they were protecting the back of the Union forces. The Union troops, led by General Ambrose Burnside, were retreating towards Knoxville. Suddenly, advance units of Confederate General James Longstreet's army attacked them.
The 17th Michigan Regiment was in a tough spot. The soldiers were losing hope and the Confederate troops were charging. Their battle line was about to break. But Swift took quick action. He bravely grabbed the unit's flag, called the colors. He used the flag to inspire his men. They rallied around him and formed a strong line. With a powerful volley of musket fire, Swift and his men pushed back the Confederate attack. This brave act saved his regiment from being captured.
For his incredible courage, Swift was awarded the Medal of Honor. The official statement for his medal said:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel Frederic William Swift, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 November 1863, while serving with 17th Michigan Infantry, in action at Lenoire Station, Tennessee. Lieutenant Colonel Swift gallantly seized the colors and rallied the regiment after three Color Bearers had been shot and the regiment, having become demoralized, was in imminent danger of capture.
Swift's Military Career Continues
Swift was promoted to lieutenant colonel on November 26, 1863. On the same day, he took command of the 17th Michigan Regiment. However, his time in command was not without challenges. On May 12, 1864, he was captured by the Confederates. This happened during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia.
He was held as a prisoner of war in Macon, Georgia. He remained a prisoner until August 3, 1864. On that day, he was exchanged for Confederate prisoners in Charleston, South Carolina. After his release, he joined General Cadmus Wilcox's staff in October 1864.
Swift was promoted to Colonel in December 1864. After the war ended, he received a special promotion called a brevet promotion. This made him a Brigadier General, effective from March 13, 1865. He officially left the army on June 3, 1865, in Washington D.C..
