Richard Napoleon Batchelder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Napoleon Batchelder
Brig. Gen. Richard N. Batchelder, Quartermaster General of the United States Army
Born	(1832-07-27)July 27, 1832 Laconia, New Hampshire, US
Died	January 4, 1901(1901-01-04) (aged 68) Washington, D.C., US
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1861–1896
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	1st Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac
Battles/wars	American Civil War  • Battle of Ball's Bluff  • Battle of Fair Oaks  • Battle of Antietam  • Battle of Chancellorsville  • Battle of Gettysburg  • Battle of Spotsylvania Court House  • Battle of Cold Harbor  • Battle of Petersburg  • Battle of Appomattox Court House
Awards	Medal of Honor

Richard Napoleon Batchelder (born July 27, 1832 – died January 4, 1901) was an important United States Army officer. He became the 18th Quartermaster General for the U.S. Army. A Brigadier General, Batchelder received the Medal of Honor in 1891 for his bravery.

Richard Batchelder's Early Life

Richard N. Batchelder was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on July 27, 1832. His father, Nathan, was a state representative. His mother, Peace, was the daughter of a well-known pastor. Richard went to school in Manchester. When he was a young man, he tried many different jobs, including working in business.

Military Career and Achievements

When the American Civil War began in May 1861, Richard Batchelder left his business. He joined the Union Army as a first lieutenant. He worked as a quartermaster for the 1st New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. A quartermaster is an officer who makes sure soldiers have supplies like food, clothing, and equipment.

Rising Through the Ranks

Richard was promoted to captain in August 1861. By March 1862, he became a Divisional Quartermaster. This meant he was in charge of supplies for a larger group of soldiers. In January 1863, he became a lieutenant colonel and the chief quartermaster for the II Corps.

Medal of Honor Hero

In October 1863, during a mission, enemy forces attacked his supply units. Thanks to his strong leadership, his unit completed their mission without losing any supplies. This amazing act of bravery later earned him the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for military bravery in the United States.

The next year, he was promoted to Colonel. He became the Chief Quartermaster for the entire Army of the Potomac. After the war ended, he left the volunteer service in June 1865. He then joined the Regular Army as a captain.

Becoming a General

On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson suggested that Batchelder be promoted to brevet brigadier general of Volunteers. This promotion was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion, often given for brave service.

Later, on February 23, 1869, President Johnson nominated him again. This time, it was for the rank of brevet brigadier general in the Regular Army. This was also confirmed by the Senate.

The Quartermaster Corps emblem, which General Batchelder helped create.

After the Civil War, Batchelder served in different quartermaster roles across the country for 25 years. On June 26, 1890, he was promoted to brigadier general. With this promotion, he became the 18th Quartermaster General of the United States Army. As Quartermaster General, he was also in charge of creating the special emblem used by the Quartermaster Corps. He retired from the Army on July 27, 1896.

General Batchelder was a member of several important military groups. These included the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Sons of the Revolution, and the Society of Colonial Wars.

Later Life and Legacy

Richard N. Batchelder retired from the U.S. Army on July 27, 1896. He passed away in Washington D.C. on January 4, 1901. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Images for kids

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  First Lieutenant rank insignia

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  Captain rank insignia

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  Lieutenant Colonel rank insignia

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  Colonel rank insignia

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  Major rank insignia

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  Brigadier General rank insignia