| Richard Napoleon Batchelder | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 27, 1832 Lake Village, New Hampshire |
| Died | January 4, 1901 (aged 68) |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1896 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 1st New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, and the United States Army Quartermaster School |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Petersburg • Battle of Gettysburg • Battle of Cold Harbor • Battle of Spotsylvania Court House |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Richard Napoleon Batchelder (July 27, 1832 – January 4, 1901) was a United States Army Officer and the 18th Quartermaster General of the United States Army. Brigadier General Batchelder was awarded the Medal Of Honor in 1891.[1]
Contents |
At the start of the civil war he quit private enterprise and signed up for the U.S Army in May 1861.[2] Upon joining, he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, and took duty as Regimental Quartermaster for the 1st New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in August 1861, and became a Divisional Quartermaster in March 1862. He eventually promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Chief Quartermaster of II Corps in January 1863.
During one of his missions in October 1863, the corps' supply units were bombarded with enemy attacks, and because of his leadership, his unit was able to successfully accomplish the mission without any loss of supplies.[3] This feat would later earn him the Medal of Honor, and he was promoted to Colonel with the title of Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac the next year. In March 1865, he was promoted to brevet Brigadier General. Following the war he was transferred to the Regular Army, and reverted to the rank of captain in 1865. He then served at various commands across the country under the quartermaster branch for 15 years before he was promoted to Brigadier General. With this promotion he was appointed as the 18th Quartermaster General of the United States Army. In 1890, as Quartermaster General of the Army he was also in charge of the creation of the emblem used to identify the Quartermaster Branch.[4]
"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
LIEUTENANT COLONEL & CHIEF QUARTERMASTER RICHARD NAPOLEON BATCHELDER UNITED STATES ARMY
For service as set forth in the following CITATION:
Being ordered to move his trains by a continuous day-and-night march, and without the usual military escort, armed his teamsters and personally commanded them, successfully fighting against heavy odds and bringing his trains through without the loss of a wagon."[5]
Richard N. Batchelder was born to Nathan and Peace Batchelder in Lake Village, New Hampshire on July 27, 1832.[6] His father was a state representative, and his mother was the daughter of a prominent pastor.[7] Richard attended the county school system of Manchester. During early adulthood he endeavored in many ventures, one of which was business.