Theophilus Francis Rodenbough (November 5, 1838 – December 19, 1912) was born in Easton, Pennsylvania and was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He received America's highest military decoration the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Trevilian Station. After his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1870, he wrote several books about military history.
A monument dedicated to the regulars of the United States Army who fought at Gettysburg includes Rodenbough.[2]
The Gettysburg Campaign was a series of engagements before and after the Battle of Gettysburg. To better understand Rodenbough's role within the military organization, the following brief is provided. For more details, see Gettysburg Union order of battle.[3]
The Army of the Potomac was initially under Major General Joseph Hooker then under Major General George G. Meade on June 28, 1863.
Rodenbough received the Medal of Honor for his efforts in the June 11, 1864 Battle of Trevilian Station, Virginia, where he was wounded.[4]
Rodebough lost his right arm in the Battle of Opequon, or Third Battle of Winchester, Virginia, on September 19, 1864.[1] He briefly served as colonel of the 18th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Regiment between April 29, 1865, and October 31, 1865.[1]
Post Civil War
Rodenbough was mustered out of the volunteer force on October 31, 1865.[1] On January 13, 1866, PresidentAndrew Johnson nominated Rodenbough for appointment to the brevet grade of brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on March 12, 1866.[5] On July 28, 1866, Rodenbough was promoted to major, USA, and assigned to the 42nd U.S. Infantry Regiment.[1] On July 18, 1868, President Johnson nominated Rodenbough for appointment to the brevet grade of brigadier general, U.S. Army (regular army), to rank from March 13, 1865, and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on July 18, 1868.[6] Rodenbough was unassigned after March 15, 1869.[1]
From Everglade to Cañon with the Second Dragoons (1875)
Afghanistan and the Anglo-Russian Dispute (1885)
Uncle Sam's Medal of Honor (1886)
Sabre and Bayonet (1897)
Together with William L. Haskin he was the editor of The Army of the United States (1896)[7]
On April 23, 1904, Rodenbough was appointed brigadier general, USA, on the retired list.[1] Theophilus Francis Rodenbough is interred at Easton Cemetery in Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. He died in December 1912 at age 74
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization:
Captain, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Trevlhan Station, Va., June 11, 1864. Entered service at: Pennsylvania. Born: November 5, 1838, Easton, Pa. Date of issue: September 21, 1893.
Citation:
Handled the regiment with great skill and valor, was severely wounded.[8][9]
^HMdb.org (February 22, 2009). "United States Regulars Monument". Monuments at and near Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. HMdb.org – The Historical Marker Database. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
^Rodenbough, Theophilus Francis; Haskin, William L., eds. (1896). The Army of the United States [Historical Sketches of Staff and Line with Portraits of Generals-in-Chief]. New York: Maynard, Merrill, & Co. OCLC1635675. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
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