Valentine Rossbach

His cannon roared and saved the line amid hot hellish fire!!

Valentine Rossbach was born in Germany in 1842 and served the Union Army as a sergeant in the 34th New York Battery. At Spotsylvania Court House, his skill and determination at a gun helped relieve a critical point in the Union line.

On 12 May 1864, Rossbach encouraged his cannoneers to hold an exceptionally dangerous position. When the situation depended on accurate artillery fire, the most effective shots came from his piece, helping silence the opposing fire and easing the pressure on the Federal troops.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Spotsylvania, Rossbach kept his cannoneers at a dangerous position and delivered effective fire that helped stop the enemy's fire and relieve the threatened Union line.

Rossbach received the Medal of Honor on 10 July 1896. He died on 20 February 1897 and was buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn. His documented Army service supports the Civil War Campaign Medal, and no additional decoration or device is established.