Frederick Gerber is listed as a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/cypresshills.asp.

He was a German-American soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his 32 years of service in the US Army. He is one of only two people (the other being general Adolphus Greeley) who received the Medal of Honor for his entire career rather than a single action. He was born in Dresden, Germany. 
Gerber immigrated to the United States in the 1830s and enlisted with the 4th US Infantry in February 1839, leaving the army a first time in February 1844.  He joined the 1st Engineer Battalion when it was created in 1846 and served in the Mexican–American War. During the Battle of Mexico City, he is said to have saved the life of then second lieutenant George B. McClellan.  During the American Civil War, Gerber was responsible for training volunteer recruits into combat engineers. In September 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant Major, becoming the senior enlisted soldier in the Corps of Engineers and the first person to hold that rank in the Corps of Engineers. He was appointed adjutant of the Corps of Engineers in February 1867.  On the 8th of November 1871, during his 7th re-enlistment, Gerber was awarded the Medal of Honor for his entire career.  He was the first US Army engineer to receive the medal.  *The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.


Frederick was born in Dresden, Germany. He served in the U.S. Military from 1839 to 1871. 

In 1871, Frederick, a Sergeant Major in the Battalion of U.S. Engineers received a Congressional Medal of Honor for distinguished gallantry in many actions and in recognition of long, faithful and meritorious services covering a period of 32 years. 

Cypress Hills National Cemetery

Long Island National Cemetery

Grave marker image for (FREDERICK GERBER).

FREDERICK W GERBER

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