Leopold Karpeles, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Leopold Karpeles

United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

Date of Birth: 09-Sep-1838

Place of Birth: Prague, Czech Republic

Date of Death: 02-Feb-1909

Profession: soldier

Nationality: Hungary, United States

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Leopold Karpeles (9 September 1838 – 2 February 1909) was a flagbearer in the Union Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War. Born in Prague, he immigrated to Texas early in life and made a living protecting convoys on the American frontier.
An Abolitionist, he is known to have assisted the Underground Railroad before the outbreak of the war in 1861.
Karpeles subsequently volunteered for the Union Army, carrying the battle standard for the 46th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during an expedition to North Carolina.
He then joined the veteran 57th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of the Wilderness, his unit suffered extensive casualties as the Union's right flank collapsed.
Karpeles stood his ground, rallying a number of other men to hold their positions during the fight until sundown.
Kaepeles was wounded later in the campaign, forcing his retirement from the military.
He spent the rest of his life in Washington, D.C.
first in business and later working for the United States Department of the Treasury living in Washington until his death.