George N. Bliss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George N. Bliss
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| Born | July 22, 1837 Tiverton, Rhode Island |
| Died | August 29, 1928 (aged 91) East Providence, Rhode Island |
| Buried |
Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale Cemeteries
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |  1st Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Second Bull Run, Battle of Middleburg, First Battle of Deep Bottom |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Captain George Newman Bliss (born July 22, 1837 – died August 29, 1928) was an American soldier. He fought bravely in the American Civil War. Bliss received the highest award for courage in battle, the Medal of Honor. He earned this award for his actions on September 28, 1864. This happened in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he helped stop an enemy attack. He was given the award on August 3, 1897.
Life and Military Service
George N. Bliss was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island. His parents were James Leonard and Sarah A. Bliss. This was on July 22, 1837. Before the war, he studied law. He finished his law degree in May 1861. He then became a lawyer in New York.
In the same year, 1861, he joined the army. He became part of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. The next year, he was promoted. He became a captain of Company C. Captain Bliss fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Second Bull Run. He also fought in the Battle of Middleburg. This battle was part of the Gettysburg campaign. Another battle was the First Battle of Deep Bottom. This was during the Siege of Petersburg.
Medal of Honor Action
In September 1864, Captain Bliss was in charge of a special military police unit. This unit was in the Shenandoah Valley. He showed great bravery during this time. His actions led to him being captured by Confederate soldiers. After his capture, he was held in Libby Prison. He was released from prison on February 5, 1865. His brave actions earned him the Medal of Honor.
After the War
Captain Bliss left the army in 1865. This was after the Civil War ended. He then married Fanny Amelia Carpenter. They had five children together. George N. Bliss passed away on August 29, 1928. He died in East Providence, Rhode Island. He is buried at Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale Cemeteries.
