Jacob Trautman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob Trautman
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|---|---|
| Born | 1840 Germany |
| Died | November 7, 1898 (aged 58) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Place of burial |
South Side Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service |
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| Rank | First sergeant |
| Unit |
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| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
First Sergeant Jacob Trautman (born 1840, died 1898) was a soldier in the U.S. Army. He was born in Germany. He fought in the Civil War and later in the Indian Wars. He received the Medal of Honor, a very important award for bravery. He earned it for his actions during the Battle of Wounded Knee.
Contents
Life as a Soldier
Jacob Trautman was born in Germany in 1840. He later moved to the United States.
Joining the Army
Trautman joined the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry on August 9, 1861. He started as a private. During his time, he was promoted to corporal and then to sergeant. He finished his service with this group on August 7, 1865.
After the Civil War, Trautman joined the 7th U.S. Cavalry. This was on January 4, 1876, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served for five years. He was discharged as a first sergeant on January 3, 1881. This happened at Fort Totten in the Dakota Territory.
Continued Service
Trautman immediately joined the army again on January 4, 1881. He served another five years. He was discharged as a first sergeant on January 3, 1886. This time it was at Fort Meade, also in the Dakota Territory.
He re-enlisted for a third time on January 4, 1886.
The Battle of Wounded Knee
In 1890, Trautman was part of a group sent to find a Sioux leader named Big Foot. They also needed to disarm his followers. On December 29, 1890, the soldiers surrounded Big Foot's camp. This was near Wounded Knee Creek.
During the events that followed, Trautman showed great bravery. He was one of twenty soldiers who received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for bravery. His service ended on January 3, 1891. This was at the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota.
Even though he could have retired, Trautman joined the army one last time. This was on January 4, 1891. He finally retired on August 3, 1891.
Later Life and Death
After leaving the army, Jacob Trautman went back to Pittsburgh. He died at his home on November 7, 1898. He was 58 years old. He was buried at South Side Cemetery.
