Sergeant John E. Buffington (July 12, 1839 – April 26, 1915) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Buffington received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Third Battle of Petersburg in Virginia on 2 April 1865. He was honored with the award on 3 April 1908.[1][2][3]
John E. Buffington | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 12, 1839 Carroll County, Maryland |
| Died | April 26, 1915 Washington |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | August 21, 1862 to June 20, 1865 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit |  6th Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry - Company C |
| Battles/wars | Third Battle of Petersburg |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Biography edit
Born in Carroll County, Maryland, Buffington enlisted in the 6th Maryland Infantry Regiment. He is noted as the first Union soldier to raise a flag within the Confederates lines for the Third Division of the VI Corps of the Union Army at the Third Battle of Petersburg. This act, which he performed on 2 April 1865, earned him the medal of honor. However, Buffington was not presented with the medal until 1908 as he had mustered out of the army without applying for it.[4][5][6][7]
Medal of Honor citation edit
Was the first enlisted man of the 3d Division to mount the parapet of the enemy's line.[1][2][3]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ a b "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ a b "Buffington, John E." Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ Engle, Donna R. (21 August 1997). "Carroll's Civil War hero Honor: John Buffington, the only county man to receive the Medal of Honor in the Civil War, will be feted during Celebrate Taneytown on Saturday, when a wreath is placed on his grave". Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- ^ "John E. Buffington's Medal of Honor". Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- ^ "Sixth Regiment of Maryland Infantry Descendants Association". Retrieved 19 October 2013.
- ^ Knauer, Carrie Ann (29 March 2008). "Civil War veteran to be honored". Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.