James Daniel Gardner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Daniel Gardner
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Sergeant James D. Gardner
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| Born | September 16, 1839 Gloucester, Virginia |
| Died | September 29, 1905 (aged 66) Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Calvary Crest Cemetery, Ottumwa, Iowa
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1866 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit |  36th Regiment United States Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Chaffin's Farm |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
James Daniel Gardner (sometimes spelled Gardiner) was an African American soldier during the American Civil War. He was born on September 16, 1839, and passed away on September 29, 1905. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States military. He earned this award for his actions during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.
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Early Life and Military Service
James Daniel Gardner was born in Gloucester, Virginia, in 1839. Before joining the army, he worked as an oysterman, gathering oysters from the water.
In September 1863, when he was 24 years old, Gardner joined the Union Army in Yorktown, Virginia. He became a private in Company I of the 36th Regiment United States Colored Troops. This unit was made up of African American soldiers who fought for the Union. His enlistment papers listed his last name as "Gardiner."
Bravery at Chaffin's Farm
The Battle of Chaffin's Farm
On September 29, 1864, James Gardner's unit fought in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia. His regiment was part of a larger group of African American soldiers. Their mission was to attack the Confederate defenses at a place called New Market Heights.
The Confederate defenses were very strong. They had two lines of sharp, pointed obstacles called abatis. They also had a line of tall, pointed fences called palisades. These defenses were guarded by a group of soldiers known as the Texas Brigade.
Gardner's Heroic Action
The attack was very dangerous. The Confederate soldiers fired heavily, and many Union soldiers were killed or wounded. More than half of the African American troops were hurt or captured.
During this intense fight, James Gardner showed incredible courage. He moved forward, ahead of his unit, and entered the Confederate defenses. He saw a Confederate officer on top of the wall, trying to encourage his men. Gardner shot the officer and then used his bayonet (a knife attached to his rifle) to defeat him.
Recognition for Bravery
Because of his brave actions, James Gardner was promoted to sergeant the very next day. Several months later, on April 6, 1865, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This happened just three days before the American Civil War officially ended.
Life After the War
After the war, James Gardner's regiment moved to the Texas frontier in the western United States. During this time, he faced some disciplinary issues. In July 1865, he was reduced in rank back to private. He was also held in confinement for a period in March 1866.
Gardner officially left the Army on September 20, 1866, after serving for three years.
He passed away in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, on September 29, 1905. This was exactly 41 years after his brave actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. James Gardner was 66 years old when he died. He was buried at Calvary Crest Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa.
In 2005, a memorial was created to honor James Gardner in his hometown of Gloucester, Virginia. It was officially unveiled in 2006.
