Delavan Bates

Delavan Bates (March 17, 1840 – December 19, 1918)[2][3] was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Bates was awarded the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action in Cemetery Hill, Virginia during the Battle of the Crater on 30 July 1864.[3] He was honored with the award on 22 June 1891.[4]

Delavan Bates
Bvt. Brig. Gen. Delavan Bates
Born(1840-03-17)March 17, 1840
Schoharie County, New York
DiedDecember 19, 1918(1918-12-19) (aged 78)
Aurora, Nebraska
Buried
Aurora Cemetery, Aurora, Nebraska
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Years of service1862 - 1865
Rank Colonel
Brevet Brigadier General
Unit 121st Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry
30th United States Colored Infantry
Battles/warsBattle of the Crater[1]
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Bates was born to Alpheus Bates (1808 - 1888) and Hannah Bates (1810 - 1901) on 17 March 1840. Bates enlisted with the 121st New York Infantry in August 1862.[1][5] He was captured at the Battle of Salem Church during the Battle of Fredericksburg and was held at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia for approximately two weeks. He was subsequently released in a prison exchange.[6] He was also involved in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.[1]

Bates became colonel of the 30th United States Colored Infantry in March 1864[1][6][7] While leading his troops in the Battle of the Crater on 30 July 1864, he was seriously wounded about his chest and arms, in addition to receiving a bullet in the face. Bates survived these injuries and was among 23 troops to receive the Medal of honor for bravery during the battle.[3][5][6] By the end of the war Bates had been promoted to Brevet Brigadier General.[1] He honorably mustered out in December 1865.

After the war Bates resided in Salisbury, North Carolina but soon returned to West Richmondville, New York where he married Lana Ann Green on 2 January 1870, with whom he had five children. He was a merchant and storekeeper.

Bates died in Aurora, Nebraska on December 18, 1918[3] and his remains are interred at Aurora Cemetery.[6]

Medal of Honor citation

For gallantry in action where he fell, shot through the face, at the head of his regiment.[4][5][8]

See also

References
  1. Saint, William S. (April 1988). "Soldier Profile - Bates, Delavan". Nairobi, Kenya.
  2. "Delavan Bates". Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  3. "Delavan Bates". Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  4. "Medal of honor recipients (Civil War): A-L". Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  5. "Bates, Delavan". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  6. Greiner, James M. (2003). Subdued by the Sword: A Line Officer in the 121st New York Volunteers. SUNY Press. ISBN 9780791486139.
  7. "Delavan Bates: Union Field Officer". Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  8. "Hall of Valor: Delavan Bates". Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
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