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Frederick Phisterer (October 11, 1836 – July 13, 1909) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Phisterer received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor. Phisterer's medal was won for actions at the Battle of Stones River at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, now marked by the Stones River National Battlefield. He was honored with the award on December 12, 1894.
Phisterer was born in Stuttgart, Germany. He joined the Army from Medina County, Ohio, in December 1855, and served in the 3rd Artillery Regiment for 5 years. He re-enlisted with the 18th Infantry Regiment in July 1861, and was commissioned as an officer the following October. He eventually rose to the rank of Captain, and was honorably discharged in August 1870.
He was a longtime officer of the New York Militia, and played a large role in the militia's reorganization as part of the National Guard.He attained the rank of colonel, and was promoted to the brevet rank of brigadier general for his service to organize and train soldiers for the Spanish–American War. He acted as New York's Adjutant General in 1901 and 1902, and was promoted to brevet major general at his retirement as recognition of his many years of successful service.
He died in Albany, New York, and was buried at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frederick Phisterer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 31 December 1862, while serving with 18th U.S. Infantry, in action at Stone River, Tennessee. First Lieutenant Phisterer voluntarily conveyed, under a heavy fire, information to the commander of a battalion of regular troops by which the battalion was saved from capture or annihilation.
