b. 22/09/1845 Germany. d. 28/01/1910 New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 19/04/1862 Camden, North Carolina.
Johann C J Langbein MOH
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Civil War as a Musician in Company B, 9th New York Volunteer Infantry (which was known as the “Hawkins Zouaves”). He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Camden, North Carolina on April 19, 1862. His citation reads “A drummer boy, 15 years of age, he voluntarily and under a heavy fire went to the aid of a wounded officer, procured medical assistance for him, and aided in carrying him to a place of safety”.
During his service he was dubbed “Jennie” by his fellow soldiers for his very youthful appearance. The officer he saved, regimental Adjutant Lt. Thomas L. Bartholomew, had been hit in neck by a piece from an exploding artillery shell. Dazed and wounded, Lt. Bartholomew did not fall to the ground, but staggered around the battlefield. Drummer Langbein, who Lt. Bartholomew took great care of, and had promised his mother to watch over him, ran though a torrent of bullets to guide him back to the safety of the Union lines. The regiment’s surgeon pronounced the Adjutant as “nearly dead” and was going to leave him where he lay, but Drummer Langbein, with the help of another soldier, got the stricken Adjutant to an Army wagon and to a Federal hospital at Roanoke. This further act saved the wounded man from capture, for the next day of the battle the Union forces were forced to retreat and abandon their wounded. Julius Langbein’s Medal was issued on January 7, 1865.
He was one of two Hawkins Zouaves to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Civil War (The other being Captain Adolph Libaire, who was awarded the medal for his bravery at the Battle of Antietam).
MOH CITATION:
A drummer boy, 15 years of age, he voluntarily and under a heavy fire went to the aid of a wounded officer, procured medical assistance for him, and aided in carrying him to a place of safety.
BURIAL LOCATION: WOODLAWN CEMETERY, BRONX, NEW YORK.
CHERRY PLOT, SECTION 103, LOT 12592.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BELIEVED TO BE FAMILY.
