Charles F. Cleveland

Private Charles F. Cleveland (August 14, 1845 – February 29, 1908) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Cleveland received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Antietam in Maryland on 17 September 1862. He was honored with the award on 12 June 1895.[1][2][3]

Charles F. Cleveland
Born(1845-08-14)August 14, 1845
Hartford, New York
DiedFebruary 29, 1908(1908-02-29) (aged 63)
Utica, New York
Buried
Forest Hill Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861–1863
RankPrivate
Unit 26th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry - Company C
Battles/warsBattle of Antietam
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Cleveland was born in Hartford, New York on 14 August 1845 to Daniel Cleveland and Alameda Dickinson Cleveland. Before the outbreak of the war he was a carpenter in Utica, New York. He enlisted into the 26th New York Infantry.

On 17 September 1862, the day on which he performed the act of gallantry that earned him the Medal of Honor, his regiment was involved in the Battle of Antietam. On seeing the color bearer of the regiment shot down, Cleveland voluntarily proceeded to take up the colors and carried them throughout the remainder of the battle. He was wounded during this battle but returned to his unit within two months.[4]

Following the war Cleveland returned to Utica and entered the police service in 1874, moving up the ranks in the force in Utica, New York until he was eventually promoted to Chief of Police in June 1898. He served in this capacity until his death on 29 February 1908.[4][5] His remains are interred at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, New York.

Cleveland married Catherine Teresa in 1865, with whom he had four children.[4]

Medal of Honor citation

Voluntarily took and carried the colors into action after the color bearer had been shot.[1][2][3]

See also

References
  1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  2. "Charles F. Cleveland". Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  3. "Cleveland, Charles F." Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  4. "Oneida County, New York Biographies". Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  5. "Our History". New York State Association of States of Police. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
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