Daniel Butterfield's Medal of Honor Grade Range: 5-12 Resource
Type(s): Primary Source, Artifacts Date Posted: 12/23/2010 1896
Pattern Medal of Honor awarded to Daniel Butterfield, “for
distinguished gallantry in action at Gaines Mills, Va. June 27,
1862” Perhaps best known as the composer of the bugle call
"Taps," Daniel Butterfield began his Civil War service as a
sergeant in the Washington, D.C., militia. Two weeks later he
transferred to the 12th New York Militia as a colonel. He was
commissioned brigadier and major general of the Volunteers and
he commanded a division of the 5th Corps. He fought at the First
Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Butterfield was wounded at
the Battle of Gaines' Mill, during the Peninsular Campaign; it
was also at Gaines' Mill where he seized the flag of the 3rd
Pennsylvania and rallied the troops, an act which eventually
earned him a Medal of Honor. Butterfield later commanded
successfully at Second Bull Run and Antietam, and also saw
action at Chancellorsville and Gettysb