Name Joseph Burger | Role Medal of Honor | |
Born April 16, 1848Switzerland ( 1848-04-16 ) Buried at Oakland Cemetery, Saint Paul, Minnesota Died January 3, 1921, Minnesota, United States Place of burial Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States Unit 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry | ||
Joseph Burger (April 16, 1848-January 3, 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.
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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. He enlisted into the 2nd Minnesota Infantry. He died on January 3, 1921, 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.