Joseph Burger (Medal of Honor)

Joseph Burger (April 16, 1848 – January 2, 1921) was an Austrian German soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Burger received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for heroism during combat at Nolensville, Tennessee on February 15, 1863, when Burger was 14 years of age. He was honored with the award on September 11, 1897.[1][2][3]

Joseph Burger
Born(1848-04-16)April 16, 1848
County of Tyrol, Austrian Empire
(present-day Tyrol, Austria)
DiedJanuary 2, 1921(1921-01-02) (aged 72)
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Buried
Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861–1865
RankPrivate
UnitMinnesota 2nd Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Burger was born in Tyrol, Austria on April 16, 1848. He emigrated with his parents to the United States as an infant. He was orphaned at age 6, following the death of his parents from cholera.[4] He enlisted into the 2nd Minnesota Infantry as a drummer boy at age 13.[5]

He was commissioned a captain at age 16, becoming one of the youngest men to attain that rank during the Civil War.[5]

He died in St. Paul on January 2, 1921,[5] and his remains are interred at Oakland Cemetery in Minnesota. His grandson, Warren Burger served as Chief Justice of the United States from 1969 to 1986.

Medal of Honor citation

Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  2. "Joseph Burger". Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  3. "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  4. "Young Civil War soldier made lasting impression".
  5. "Youngest Civil War Captain Dead at 73". The Pantagraph. St. Paul. January 3, 1921. p. 1. Retrieved January 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  • Joseph Burger, findagrave.com. Portrait of Joseph Burger and photograph of gravestone.
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