Robert J. Coffey

Sergeant Robert John Coffey (December 15, 1842 to July 9, 1901) was a Canadian soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Coffey received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Salem Church in Virginia on 4 May 1863. He was honored with the award on 13 May 1892.[1][2]

Robert J. Coffey
Born	December 15, 1842 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Died	July 9, 1901 (aged 58) Montpelier, Vermont
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1861 - 1864
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	4th Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Infantry
Battles/wars	Battle of Salem Church
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Coffey was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on 15 December 1842. At the outbreak of the war he first enlisted into the 2nd Vermont Volunteer Regiment on 3 May 1861, serving for three months. He mustered into the 4th Vermont Infantry on 10 September of that year. He was promoted to 3rd Sergeant within this company and participated in several battles including the Siege of Yorktown (1862), Battle of Antietam, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Funkstown. On 4 May 1863 he performed an act of bravery during the Battle of Salem Church, for which he earned a Medal of Honor.[3]

Following the war Coffey married Demis Hattie Burnham, with whom he had one child. He was involved in the hotel business in Vermont and also served in the state's National Guard. He died on July 9, 1901 and his remains are interred at the Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier, Vermont.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Single-handedly captured 2 officers and 5 privates of the 8th Louisiana Regiment (Confederate States of America).[1][2]

See also

• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F

References

1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 28 October 2013.
2. "Robert J. Coffey". Retrieved 28 October 2013.
3. "Robert John Coffey". Retrieved 28 October 2013.