Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Swimming A Frozen Creek

Union First Lieutenant David E Buckingham swam the icy Rowanty Creek on February 5th 1865 under fire in order to capture a crossing.

David E Buckingham was born February 3rd 1840 in Pleasant Hill, Delaware.

When the Civil War started Buckingham enlisted in the 4th Delaware Infantry, serving in Company E.  On February 5th 1865 in order to capture a crossing, Buckingham and his Captain; S Rodmond Smith, swam across the partially frozen Rowanty Creek in Virginia, while under Confederate fire.  On February 13th 1895 Buckingham was awarded the Medal of Honor for these actions.


Buckingham died November 23rd 1915, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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