Some More on Richard Enderlin, Medal of Honor Recipient-- Part 2

From the July 6, 2020, "Medal of Honor Monday:  Army Sgt. Richard Enderelin" by Katie Lange.

Richard Enderlin was born in Baden, Germany on January 11, 1843, but grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio.  As a member of Company B of the 73rd Ohio, he found himself at the Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863.  

He voluntarily joined in the defense of Cemetery Ridge, thinking that his unit was not directly involved in the battle.  But it turned out that this ridge, in the middle of the Union defense was the main object of Confederate attacks.

He earned his Medal of Honor during the night of July 2-3 when he rescued Private George Nixon, the great-grandfather of future President Richard Nixon.  According to the National Civil War Museum, George Nixon had been seriously wounded and lay between Cemetery Ridge and the Confederate position.

After hearing Nixon's cries of pain, Enderlin put down his instrument (he was a musician) and picked up a rifle and went to Nixon's exposed position at great peril and under heavy fire and dragged him back to safety.

Unfortunately, Nixon did not survive his wounds.  He died several years later and is buried at the National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

--Old Secesh