Alaric B. Chapin
Encyclopedia
Alaric B. Chapin was a Union Army
soldier who received the Medal of Honor
for gallantry in the American Civil War
.
, Chapin was a private in Company G of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry when his regiment attacked at the head of the Union column against Confederate fortifications at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher
, North Carolina
on January 15, 1865. Although just 17 years old, Pvt. Chapin voluntarily advanced at the head of his regiment, and despite heavy hostile fire, he gallantly cut down the enemy palisading, allowing his comrades to breech the fortifications and achieve victory.
After the war Chapin farmed, worked as a teamster, and raised a family. He was issued his award on December 28, 1914. Chapin died in Portland, Oregon
. He is buried in Rose City Cemetery.
General Orders: Date of Issue: December 28, 1914
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Army
Rank: Private
Company: Company G
Division: 142nd New York Infantry
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
soldier who received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for gallantry in the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
.
Biography
Born in Ogdensburg, New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Chapin was a private in Company G of the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry when his regiment attacked at the head of the Union column against Confederate fortifications at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher
Second Battle of Fort Fisher
The Second Battle of Fort Fisher was a joint assault by Union Army and naval forces against Fort Fisher, outside Wilmington, North Carolina, near the end of the American Civil War...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
on January 15, 1865. Although just 17 years old, Pvt. Chapin voluntarily advanced at the head of his regiment, and despite heavy hostile fire, he gallantly cut down the enemy palisading, allowing his comrades to breech the fortifications and achieve victory.
After the war Chapin farmed, worked as a teamster, and raised a family. He was issued his award on December 28, 1914. Chapin died in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
. He is buried in Rose City Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Alaric B. Chapin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 15 January 1865, while serving with Company G, 142d New York Infantry, in action at Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Private Chapin voluntarily advanced with the head of the column and cut down the palisading.
General Orders: Date of Issue: December 28, 1914
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Army
Rank: Private
Company: Company G
Division: 142nd New York Infantry
See also
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F