Frederick W. Gerber
Encyclopedia
Frederick William Gerber (1813 - November 10, 1875) was a German-American soldier who received the Medal of Honor
for his 32 years of service in the US Army. He is one of only two people (the other being general Adolphus Greely
) who received the Medal of Honor for his entire career rather than a single action. He was born in Dresden, Germany.
Gerber immigrated to the United States in the 1830s and enlisted in the 4th US Infantry in 1839, only to retire a first time in 1844. In 1846, he joined the US Army Corps of Engineers and served in the Mexican-American War. During the Battle of Mexico City, he is said to have saved the life of then second lieutenant
George B. McClellan
.
During the American Civil War
, he was responsible for training volunteer recruits into combat engineers. In September 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant Major
of engineers, becoming the senior enlisted soldier in the Corps of Engineers and the first person to hold this rank. He was appointed adjutant of the Corps of Engineers in February 1867. He was offered a commission on several occasions, but declined each offer.
Upon his retirement in November 1871, Gerber received the Medal of Honor for his entire career. He was the first US Army engineer to receive the medal. He was buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery
in Brooklyn
.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his 32 years of service in the US Army. He is one of only two people (the other being general Adolphus Greely
Adolphus Greely
Adolphus Washington Greely , was an American Polar explorer, a United States Army officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.-Early military career:...
) who received the Medal of Honor for his entire career rather than a single action. He was born in Dresden, Germany.
Gerber immigrated to the United States in the 1830s and enlisted in the 4th US Infantry in 1839, only to retire a first time in 1844. In 1846, he joined the US Army Corps of Engineers and served in the Mexican-American War. During the Battle of Mexico City, he is said to have saved the life of then second lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
George B. McClellan
George B. McClellan
George Brinton McClellan was a major general during the American Civil War. He organized the famous Army of the Potomac and served briefly as the general-in-chief of the Union Army. Early in the war, McClellan played an important role in raising a well-trained and organized army for the Union...
.
During the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, he was responsible for training volunteer recruits into combat engineers. In September 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
of engineers, becoming the senior enlisted soldier in the Corps of Engineers and the first person to hold this rank. He was appointed adjutant of the Corps of Engineers in February 1867. He was offered a commission on several occasions, but declined each offer.
Upon his retirement in November 1871, Gerber received the Medal of Honor for his entire career. He was the first US Army engineer to receive the medal. He was buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery
Cypress Hills National Cemetery
Cypress Hills National Cemetery is the only United States National Cemetery in New York City and has more than 21,100 interments of veterans and civilians. There are 24 Medal of Honor recipients buried in the cemetery, including three men who won the award twice...
in Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, U.S. Engineers. Place and date: 1839-1871. Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y. Birth: Dresden, Germany. Date of issue: November 8, 1871.Distinguished gallantry in many actions and in recognition of long, faithful, and meritorious services covering a period of 32 years.