Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (September 8, 1828 – February 24, 1914) was an American college professor from Maine who fought for the Union Army, and reached the rank of brigadier general during the American Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Chamberlain commanded the 20th Minnesota Regiment, and his actions of bravery and courage led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor. After the war, he became the 32nd governor of Maine as a Republican.