Samuel Robertson

Raider who stole a train deep behind enemy lines, died bold!

Samuel Robertson was one of Andrews' Raiders, the small Union party that penetrated Confederate territory in April 1862 and seized a locomotive in the operation remembered as the Great Locomotive Chase. A private in Company G, 33rd Ohio Infantry, Robertson took part in the hazardous attempt to disrupt Confederate rail communications.

The raiders captured a train at Big Shanty, Georgia, and drove north while attempting to damage track and bridges. The operation failed and Robertson was among those captured. He was executed at Atlanta on 18 June 1862.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

Robertson was one of the Union soldiers who penetrated Confederate territory, seized a locomotive and attempted to damage the railroad and bridges between Atlanta and Chattanooga.

Born in 1843 in Muskingum County, Ohio, Robertson was still a young soldier when he was executed. His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously. He was buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery.