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Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Buffum
POW (Civil War)
1828

–

July 20, 1871

Cemetery:

Soule Cemetery (Prison Section)

After his successful escape, Private Buffum arrived in Washington, DC where he and his fellow raiders were presented the first Medals of Honor in history. Buffum was third in the group of six to receive his Country’s highest honor. In the early 1950’s, Disney Studios released “The Great Locomotive Chase”, a movie staring Fess Parker to herald the accomplishments of the Andrews Raid.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    21st Ohio Infantry

    Action Date:

    April, 1862
    Date of Issue: March 25, 1863

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Robert Buffum, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on April, 1862, while serving with Company G, 21st Ohio Infantry, in action during the Andrew’s Raid in Georgia. Private Buffum was one of the 19 of 22 men (including two civilians) who, by direction of General Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Georgia, in an attempt to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanooga and Atlanta.