Reuben Frank Bernard (October 14, 1832 – November 17, 1903) was a career officer in the United States Army.

Bernard attained the rank of lieutenant colonel during his career and was promoted to brigadier general by brevet in recognition of heroism and sustained superior service.

[2] In 1854, he left home for Knoxville, where he enhanced his metalworking and horsemanship skills while working for a local blacksmith.

[4] In early 1856, Bernard took part in his regiment's expedition against members of the Chiricahua people who were accused of livestock thefts.

[4] Bernard was subsequently promoted to corporal, and Company D remained in Arizona until 1859, where its duties included protecting mail carriers, pursuing outlaws, and taking part in expeditions against the Pinal and Arvaipa bands of Apache people.

[8] In the summer of 1863, Bernard was promoted to first lieutenant and traveled with his company to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where it arrived shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg.

[11] He was wounded at the Battle of Todd's Tavern, and received several brevet promotions for heroism, including captain on 6 May 1864 for Todd's Tavern, major on 28 August 1864 for Smithfield, and lieutenant colonel and colonel to date from 13 March 1865 for heroism and commendable service throughout the war.

[12] The 1st Cavalry was part of the force that cut off the final Confederate effort to break through Union lines at Appomattox Court House, and he was present for the Army of Northern Virginia's surrender on 9 April 1865.

[12] Bernard led two companies of the 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort McIntosh to Laredo, where the troops succeeded in restoring order.