b. 26/07/1839 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or Germany. d. 26/02/1912 Pennsylvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION; 15/01/1865 Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
Richard was born Richard Bigle and it is not known if he was born in Germany or in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps from Philadelphia in July 1861 as Richard Binder. In 1864-65, he was assigned to the sloop-of-war USS Ticonderoga (1863). He participated in the two assaults on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 24-December 25, 1864 (First Battle of Fort Fisher) and 13-January 15, 1865 (Second Battle of Fort Fisher). He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his performance at those times. It is unknown when he received his Medal. He returned to Philadelphia after the war, where he died on 26 February 1912 aged 72.
MOH CITATION;
On board the USS Ticonderoga during the attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and December 25, 1864, and 13 to January 15, 1865. Despite heavy return fire by the enemy and the explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed eight men and wounded 12 more, Sgt. Binder, as captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the first two days of battle. As his ship again took position on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns. During this action the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.
BURIAL LOCATION; WEST LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, BALA CYNWYD, PENNSYLVANIA.
LOT 48, NORRITON SECTION, GRAVE 2
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
