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(1842-12-15)December 15, 1842
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
DiedJuly 9, 1901(1901-07-09) (aged 58)
Montpelier, Vermont
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861 - 1864
RankSergeant
Unit 4th Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Infantry
Battles/warsBattle 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

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.
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