James H. Burbank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James H. Burbank
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|---|---|
| Native name |
Reinder Jilderts
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| Born | January 5, 1838 Stavoren, Netherlands |
| Died | March 15, 1911 (aged 73) Kansas |
| Buried |
Miltonvale Cemetery, Kansas
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit |  4th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
James H. Burbank (born January 5, 1838 – died February 15, 1911) was a brave soldier from the Netherlands. He fought for the United States during the American Civil War. Burbank received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. He earned this special award for his courageous actions on October 3, 1862. This happened at a place called Blackwater, near Franklin, Virginia. He was given the award on July 27, 1896.
A Brave Soldier's Story
James H. Burbank was born as Reinder Jilderts in Stavoren, Friesland, in the Netherlands. This was on January 5, 1838. Later, he moved to the United States.
When the American Civil War began, he joined the army. He enlisted with the 1st Rhode Island Volunteers on April 16, 1861, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was a very good soldier and was promoted to second sergeant. Later, he became a non-commissioned first sergeant.
Sergeant Burbank also spent about 11 months serving with the navy. It was during this time that he showed incredible bravery. On October 3, 1862, he was on a ship called the Commodore Perry. They were at Blackwater, near Franklin, Virginia. Even though there was a lot of heavy enemy fire, he kept fighting bravely. His coat was even hit by thirteen shots! His courage that day earned him the Medal of Honor.
After the war ended, Burbank married Mary A. Burns. She had moved to the United States from Glasgow, Scotland. They lived in Rhode Island for a while. Later, they moved to Missouri and then to Kansas. James and Mary had seven children together.
