John Cleveland Robinson Biography

Born:   Thursday, April 10, 1817 Binghampton NY

Died:   Thursday, February 18, 1897 Binghampton NY

Buried:   Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, NY

Civil War Union Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Regular Army officer and Mexican War veteran. Commissioned Colonel of the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry at the start of the Civil War. Promoted Brigadier General, US Volunteer in April 1862 and commanded a brigade during the Peninsular Campaign, at Second Bull Run and at Fredericksburg. Elevated to command of the Second Division of the I Corps after Fredericksburg. On the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 1863), his division formed the extension of the Union Right on the famed Oak Knoll. It fought heroically, sustained great casualties and retreated in good order after the collapse of the XI Corps. Statue of him erected on Oak Knoll now stands in Gettysburg National Military Park at the junction of Doubleday and Robinson Avenues. Commanded a V Corps division at the Battle of Spotsylvania (May 8, 1864), where he led a heroic but failed charge, in which he was sustained a severe wound and eventually had his leg amputated. Was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the charge. His citation reads “Placed himself at the head of the leading brigade in a charge upon the enemy’s breastworks; was severely wounded”. Medal was issued March 28, 1894. Wound ended his field command. Was brevetted Major General, US Regular Army and Major General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865. Served as command of the GAR.

My Source: Find A Grave – Biography by Russ Dodge