Benjamin H. Child

Benjamin Ham Child (May 8, 1843 – May 16, 1902) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Child received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Antietam in Maryland on 17 September 1862. He was honored with the award on July 20, 1897.[1][2]

Benjamin H. Child
Born(1843-05-08)May 8, 1843
Providence, Rhode Island
DiedMay 16, 1902(1902-05-16) (aged 59)
Buried
Swan Point Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861 - 1865
RankSecond Lieutenant
UnitRhode Island Battery A, 1st Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Light Artillery
Battles/warsBattle of Antietam
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Child was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 8, 1843. He joined the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery in June 1861. After his Medal of Honor action, he was promoted to Sergeant, and wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 1863, and was discharged by special order from General George Meade after serving a total of 43 months.[3]

In 1868, Child joined the Providence Police Department, and he was appointed as Chief of Police in 1881. He died on May 16, 1902, and his remains are interred at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island.[4]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, Battery A, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery. Place and date: At Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1862. Date of issue: July 20, 1897.

Citation:

Was wounded and taken to the rear insensible, but when partially recovered insisted on returning to the battery and resumed command of his piece, so remaining until the close of the battle.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Archived from the original on June 29, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  2. "Benjamin Ham Child". Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  3. Antietam on the Web
  4. "Notable Persons Interred at Swan Point Cemetery". Swan Point Cemetery. Swan Point Cemetery. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
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