Theodore Schwan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Not to be confused with biologist Theodor Schwann.
| Theodore Schwan | |
|---|---|
| July 9, 1841 – May 27, 1926 (aged 84) | |
 Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Place of birth | Hanover, Germany |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | IV Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Theodore Schwan (July 9, 1841 – May 27, 1926) was born in Hanover, Germany and was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Peebles' Farm. He also served with distinction during the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars.
Contents |
[edit] Early life and Civil War
Schwan was born in Hanover, Germany, and received his initial schooling in Germany. His family immigrated to the United States in 1857. Upon his arrival in the U.S., Schwan enlisted as a private in the Regular Army at age 16 and served in the 10th U.S. Infantry.
When the Civil War broke out, he served with his regiment, rising from private to Quartermaster-Sergeant by 1863. He was made a First Lieutenant in 1864 and received the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Peebles' Farm for dragging a wounded Union officer to the rear and preventing him from being captured. He remained in the regular army after the close of the Civil War and made lieutenant colonel of the 11th U.S. Infantry in February 1897.
[edit] Spanish-American War
When the Spanish-American War erupted, Lt. Col. Schwan was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and colonel in the Regular Army in May 1898, making him one of the only foreign-born generals in the Spanish-American War. He assumed command of the 1st Division, IV Corps which was stationed in Miami, Florida. That unit was never called into action, but he assumed command of the Independent Regular Brigade and sailed for Puerto Rico. His brigade landed at Guánica and moved west along the coast. On August 10, his brigade won the Battle of Silva Heights. The next day, he entered the town of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The Spanish moved up for another attack on Schwan, but a cease fire was enacted before either side attacked. Allegedly during this cease fire, Schwan's troops engaged in the first game of baseball to be played in Puerto Rico.
[edit] Philippine-American War
With the fighting on Puerto Rico over, General Schwan was transferred to the Philippines, where he became chief-of-staff in the VIII Corps, engaged in the Philippine-American War. He personally directed the first Cavite Expedition then took command of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, VIII Corps during the second Cavite Expedition.
[edit] Retirement and death
He retired from the army in 1901 and was made a Major General of Regulars and put on the retired list. Theodore Schwan died in 1926 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[1]
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization:
- First Lieutenant, 10th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Peebles Farm, Va., 1 October 1864. Entered service at: New York. Born: 9 July 1841, Germany. Date of issue: 12 December 1898.
Citation:
- At the imminent risk of his own life, while his regiment was falling back before a superior force of the enemy, he dragged a wounded and helpless officer to the rear, thus saving him from death or capture.[2][3]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Theodore Schwan at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-11-08
- ^ "Civil War Medal of Honor Citations" (S-Z): Schwan, Theodore. AmericanCivilWar.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-09.
- ^ "Medal of Honor website” (M-Z): Schwan, Theodore. army.mil. Retrieved on 2007-11-09.
