Francis S. Dodge

Who was Francis S. Dodge?

Francis Safford Dodge was a US Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars. He was born in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Dodge joined the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry in October 1861, and reached the rank of corporal by late 1863. In December 1863, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the 2nd USCT Cavalry Regiment. In July 1865, he was promoted to captain.

After the war, Dodge was transferred to the 9th Cavalry Regiment as a first lieutenant. He regained his wartime rank in July 1867, and served in the White River War. He was promoted to major in 1880, and served as an army paymaster in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He eventually reached the rank of brigadier general in January 1904, and was retired in September 1906.

During the two years following his retirement, he served as Director of the American Surety and Trust Company. Dodge died in Washington D.C., and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.