Private Joseph Burger (April 16, 1848 to January 3, 1921) was a Swiss German soldier who fought in theAmerican Civil War. Burger received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for heroism during combat at Nolensville, Tennessee on 15 February 1863, when Burger was 14 years of age. He was honored with the award on 11 September 1897

Burger was born in Switzerland on 16 April 1848. He emigrated with his parents to the United States as an infant. He was orphaned at age 6, following the death of his parents from cholera.[4] He enlisted into the 2nd Minnesota Infantry. He died on 3 January 1921 and his remains are interred at the Oakland Cemetery in Minnesota. His grandson, Warren Burger served as Chief Justice of the United States from 1969 to 1986.

Medal of Honor citation

Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train.