Frank Dwight Baldwin | |
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 Frank D. Baldwin | |
| Born | (1842-06-26)June 26, 1842 Manchester, Michigan, US |
| Died | April 22, 1923(1923-04-22) (aged 80) Denver, Colorado, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1906 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  19th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry19th U.S. Infantry Regiment 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment 4th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Commands | 27th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Spanish–American War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor (2) |
| Signature |  |
Frank Dwight Baldwin (June 26, 1842 – April 22, 1923), a resident ofConstantine, Michigan, and born inManchester, Michigan, is one of only 19 servicemen to receive theMedal of Honor twice. Baldwin received his first award for his actions during the Atlanta Campaign where he led his company in battle at Peachtree Creek and captured two commissioned officers in theAmerican Civil War. He received his second for conspicuous bravery in 1874 during theIndian Wars. Baldwin holds the distinction of being a recipient of the Medal of Honor in different conflicts.[1] He also fought in thePhilippines during theSpanish–American War and rose to the rank of major general before retiring.
Baldwin served in the Civil War in the19th Michigan Infantry, initially as a first lieutenant,[2] fighting in all his regiment's battles from 1862 to 1865. In 1864, then-Captain Baldwin participated in GeneralWilliam Tecumseh Sherman's famousMarch to the Sea, and on July 20 of that year distinguished himself at theBattle of Peachtree Creek, earning his first Medal of Honor.[2]
After the war, he became a student atHillsdale College, but upon theReconstruction era reorganization of theRegular Army, he joined the 19th United States Regular Infantry as asecond lieutenant in 1866.[3] He was eventually assigned to the5th U.S. Infantry, with whom he fought in the various frontier conflicts with the Indians. He served with distinction under GeneralNelson A. Miles as chief of scouts during campaigns againstSitting Bull andCrazy Horse.
On November 8, 1874, while commanding a scout company on escort duty, he led a surprise attack on the camp ofGrey Beard, rescuing two young sisters whose parents and brothers had been killed by another Indian band. He was awarded his second Medal of Honor for this action against a larger force in a strong defensive position.
His actions in an attack on an Indian village on the Red River inMontana on December 18, 1876, earned him abrevet ofcaptain, U.S. Regular Army (awarded on February 27, 1890).
Baldwin also served in the Philippines during theSpanish–American War. He was promoted tobrigadier general, U.S. Regular Army on June 9, 1902, and he retired in 1906. In 1915, he was advanced tomajor general on the Army's retired list.
DuringWorld War I, Baldwin served as Adjutant General of the Colorado National Guard; appointed to the post in 1917, he served until retiring again in 1919.
On January 10, 1867, he married Alice Blackwood.[2][3] They had one daughter, Juanita.[3]
General Baldwin was a companion of the Michigan Commandery of theMilitary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
He died inDenver, Colorado on April 22, 1923, and is buried with his wife Alice atArlington National Cemetery inArlington, Virginia.[4]
General Baldwin belonged to numerous fraternal, military and social organizations which included the following:
His wife, Alice Blackwood Baldwin, honored the general's war contributions by compiling and editing the memoirs of her late husband in 1929. Along with General Baldwin, three other two-time Medal of Honor recipients are interred inArlington National Cemetery (Navy Lieutenant CommanderJohn C. McCloy, Marine MajorLouis Cukela, and Marine CorporalJohn Henry Pruitt).
Rank and organization: Captain, Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: AtPeachtree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864.[5]Citation: "Led his company in a countercharge at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., 20 July 1864, under a galling fire ahead of his own men, and singly entered the enemy's line, capturing and bringing back 2 commissioned officers, fully armed, besides a guidon of a Georgia regiment."Date of issue: December 3, 1891.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 5th U.S. Infantry.Place and date: AtMcClellan's Creek,Texas, November 8, 1874.Citation: "Rescued, with 2 companies,2 white girls by a voluntary attack upon Indians whose superior numbers and strong position would have warranted delay for reinforcements, but which delay would have permitted the Indians to escape and kill their captives."Date of issue: November 27, 1894.[6]
Inducted into theHillsdale County, Michigan Veteran's Hall of Fame in 2004 for his distinguished service in the American Civil War. Hall of Fame inductee 016, Civil War inductee 004.
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