Theophilus Francis Rodenbough is the only Easton native to be awarded the Medal of Honor for service in the Civil War. He was educated in the Easton schools and attended Lafayette College for a time. Before the Civil War he served in the Easton Grays, a militia company, and then enlisted in the regular Army in 1861, just weeks before the Civil War began. He was promoted rapidly and took command of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry regiment in 1863.

Rodenbough was in many battles during the Civil War including Gettysburg, serving with his regiment in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac from 1862 – 1864.

In a large cavalry battle at Trevilian Station, Virginia, on June 11, 1864, he personally led his regiment in an advance and was seriously wounded. A few months later he was wounded in his right arm, which had to be amputated, bringing an end to his active career in the field.

At his own request Rodenbough retired from the Army in 1870. For a number of years, he worked as the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal. He also became a respected writer on military subjects, including “Uncle Sam’s Medal of Honor” which brought information about this special award to the general public. Rodenbough received his Medal of Honor in 1893.