Israel B. Richardson
| Israel B. Richardson | |
|---|---|
General Israel B. Richardson
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Fighting Dick |
| Born |
December 26, 1815 Fairfax, Vermont |
| Died | November 3, 1862 (aged 46) Sharpsburg, Maryland |
| Place of burial | Oak Hill Cemetery Pontiac, Michigan |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1841 – 1855; 1861 – 1862 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Commands held | 1st Division, II Corps, Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | |
Second Seminole War
Mexican-American War
American Civil War
Israel Bush Richardson (December 26, 1815 – November 3, 1862) was a United States Army officer during the Mexican-American War and American Civil War, where he was a major general in the Union Army. Nicknamed "Fighting Dick" for his prowess on the battlefield, he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
Richardson was born in Fairfax, Vermont. He was reportedly a descendant of famed American Revolutionary War general Israel Putnam. He was appointed from Vermont to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He graduated 38th out of 58 cadets in the Class of 1841. He was one of 23 classmates that would become generals during the Civil War. After some routine assignments, Richardson served as a second lieutenant in the Second Seminole War in Florida. He was promoted to first lieutenant on Sep 21, 1846.
He received two brevets for meritorious service during the Mexican-American War; to captain and Major (United States) for the actions at Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. It was in Mexico while serving under General Winfield Scott in the Army of Occupation that he received his nickname, "Fighting Dick," which would carry over to the Civil War.
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Wikipedia