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Nathaniel C. Barker

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Nathaniel C. Barker
Born(1836-09-28)September 28, 1836
Piermont, New Hampshire
DiedMarch 7, 1904(1904-03-07) (aged 67)
Buried
Last Rest Cemetery, Merrimack, New Hampshire
42°52.034′N 71°29.767′W / 42.867233°N 71.496117°W / 42.867233; -71.496117
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Army
Years of serviceAugust 21, 1862 to May 25, 1865[1]
Rank Sergeant
UnitNew Hampshire 11th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry - Company E
Battles / warsBattle of Spotsylvania
Awards Medal of Honor

Sergeant Nathaniel C. Barker (September 28, 1836 – March 7, 1904)[2] was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Barker was awarded the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, during the Battle of Spotsylvania on May 12, 1864. He was presented with the award on 23 September 1897.

Biography

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Barker enlisted into the 11th New Hampshire Regiment Volunteer Infantry Company E on 21 August 1862. During the Battle of Spotsylvania six of the color bearers of Barker's company were killed on May 12, considered the bloodiest day of the battle. Barker took the regiment's two flags and advanced with them the rest of duration of the battle.[3]

Barker was wounded on 7 June 1864 in Cold Harbor, Virginia and was later discharged from duty on 25 May 1865.[1] He is buried at Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack, New Hampshire.[2]

Medal of Honor citation

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Six Color Bearers of the regiment having been killed, Sergeant Barker voluntarily took both flags of the regiment and carried them through the remainder of the battle.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "11th New Hampshire Regiment Company E". 29 May 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "Hall of Valor: Nathaniel C. Barker". Military Times. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Nathaniel C. Barker - Medal Of Honor Resting Places". Waymarking.com.
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