Charles M. Rockefeller
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Charles Mortimer Rockefeller | |
|---|---|
 Rockefeller in 1898 | |
| Born | September 18, 1844 |
| Died | April 28, 1899 (aged 54) |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch | United States Army Union Army |
| Service years | 1861–189 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit |  Company A, 178th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Conflicts | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller (1844–1899) was an officer in the United States Army, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for service at the final major battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Blakeley, in Alabama (April 9, 1865). He was not closely related to the famous Rockefeller family.
Charles Mortimer Rockefeller was born in Gallatin, New York, on September 18, 1844. He entered the Union Army in New York City as a private in Company E of the 7th New York Militia on April 26, 1861, after the start of the American Civil War. The 7th New York was held in reserve during the Battle of Bull Run and did not see action. Rockefeller was mustered out of service on August 2 of the same year.[1]
On October 17, 1863, Rockefeller was commissioned as a first lieutenant in Company A, 178th New York Infantry. He distinguished himself in action at the Battle of Fort Blakeley, in Alabama, on April 9, 1865, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 2, 1897.
His Medal of Honor citation is a follows:
Voluntarily and alone, under a heavy fire, obtained valuable information which a reconnoitering party of 25 men had previously attempted and failed to obtain, suffering severe loss in the attempt. The information obtained by him was made the basis of the orders for the assault that followed. He also advanced with a few followers, under the fire of both sides, and captured 300 of the enemy who would otherwise have escaped.[1]
Rockefeller was mustered out of service on April 20, 1866. On June 10, 1885, he was elected a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and was assigned insignia number 3896.[2]
