John B. Babcock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Babcock
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| Born | February 7, 1843 New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Died | April 26, 1909 (aged 66) onboard the SS Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865, 1867 - 1903 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Unit | 5th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
John Breckinridge Babcock (born February 7, 1843 – died April 26, 1909) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He is famous for receiving the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this honor for his actions during the American Indian Wars, a series of conflicts in the American West.
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John Babcock: A Military Life
John Babcock was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a great-great-grandson of Joshua Babcock, an important person from early American history. John Babcock decided to join the army when he was 19 years old.
Early Years and the Civil War
In 1862, John Babcock joined the 37th New York Volunteer Infantry. He started as a sergeant, a non-commissioned officer. Later that year, he became a second lieutenant, which is an officer rank.
During the American Civil War, he fought in several battles in Louisiana. By January 1865, just a few months before the war ended, he had become a major in the 62nd New York Volunteer Infantry. He left the volunteer army in July 1865.
Fighting in the American Indian Wars
John Babcock decided to rejoin the regular U.S. Army in 1867 as a second lieutenant. He then served in the American Indian Wars. During this time, he fought against Native American tribes like the Kiowa and the Cheyenne.
He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1868 and to captain in 1877. His bravery during these conflicts was recognized many years later. In 1897, he received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in 1869.
Later Career and Retirement
When the Spanish–American War began in 1898, John Babcock was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. This was a temporary rank for the war. After the war, he returned to his regular army rank of lieutenant colonel.
He continued to serve and was promoted to colonel in 1901. On August 7, 1903, he reached the rank of brigadier general in the regular army. He retired from military service the very next day.
General Babcock passed away on April 26, 1909. He was on a ship called the SS Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm, traveling from Germany to New York City. He died from Bright's disease, which is a serious kidney illness.
He was a member of several important groups for military veterans and their families. These included the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), the Sons of the Revolution, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
His Family's Military Legacy
General Babcock's son, Conrad S. Babcock, also had a distinguished military career. He graduated from West Point, a famous military academy, in 1898. Conrad served during the Spanish–American War and the Philippine Insurrection.
Conrad S. Babcock became a colonel during the First World War. He received important awards like the Distinguished Service Medal and two Silver Stars for his bravery. He retired from the army in 1937 and was promoted to brigadier general on the retired list in 1940.
Conrad Babcock had two sons who also became army officers. One was Major General C. Stanton Babcock, who worked as an aide to Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. The other was Colonel Charles P. Babcock. This shows a strong family tradition of military service.
Awards and Recognition
General John Babcock received several important awards for his service:
- Medal of Honor
- Civil War Campaign Medal
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish War Service Medal
