Want to see some new and recent after action reports? 1.) Tell Aaron to write some more or 2.) You can give us your take on an event and see somebody besides Aaron tell about their experience. (I'd for one enjoy that -- signed Terri!)
- font size="4">After Action Report
We showed up, it rained, we waited for the rain to stop. I t never did. We went home. I was dissapointed.
After Action Report
Jeff Smith and I arrived at Neersville with high hopes that were soon shattered by the inclement weather. After walking around for about an hour we found Mike Clark and Joel Busenitz who informed us we would be staying in a barn which was great. About 20 min. After arriving at the barn it began to pour and never stopped. But the trip was well worth it and I got to see many of my old friends and made some new ones. Although it wasn't how I would have hoped my first event with the 48th Va. would have gone. It wasn't the worst event I've been apart of, and would gladly do it again.
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After Action Report
Ok, Gettysburg, the big one, the one everyone was looking forward to, ok, so not everyone. Anyhow, the event pretty much started up on Thursday. I decided to pull one over on Captain Pappy and be the first one from the company there. I succeeded, and was actually the second from the battalion to be there. So anyway, I dropped off my gear and made tracks for home to catch a nap for work. Meanwhile, other company members began to show and when I returned Thursday night, we had a pretty good-sized company for us. However, most of the guys bailed that night to return on Friday morning.
So Friday morning, the day started off harmless enough. As a battalion we had a fresh fish drill and included our sister company from West Virginia. That went off without a hitch, as did our brief company drill. Friday morning was pretty uneventful. We had quite a march to the staging area for Friday’s battle. Most of us were quite worn out until we got there. Then we found out we still had a ways to go. When we finally reached our staging area, we were on the flank of the Federal Army, poised to strike a mighty blow on the Federal lines, which we accomplished quite well.
After we returned to camp and got all cleaned up, Joel Busenitz, Jordan Chrobot, Cpl. Tim Downs and Myself decided to go and grab a bite to eat at the Gingerbread Man in Gettysburg. We had a fine meal and some drinks and were all set to leave. Here is where the excitement began. On the way out, I set my foot on the concrete step outside the G-man and it might as well have been ice. I slid out the door down the steps and under the building next to the G-man. I heard laughter erupt from the bar and from my pards as I quickly picked myself up and regained my composure.
Afterwards, Joel and myself went for some more drinks, however I can’t quite remember where. We returned to camp where I went straight to bed, as I was tired form the lack of sleep I had received. Any antics after that will have to be related by someone else.
Saturday went about the same, the battle was all right. I was able to pay homage to my predecessor in the 48th Company D by taking a hit on the 2nd day of battle. We lost a lot of guys that we thought we wouldn’t be able to make up for the third day, but I’ll relate that in a moment. Later that night, Joel and myself went into Gettysburg for some drinks. I know we tried the Farnsworth House, and O’Rourke’s at first. However both were pretty busy so we stopped by the Reliance Mine Saloon. A quaint little redneck place that I and I believe Joel as well found quite enjoyable. No further incident with sliding under buildings. On the way back to camp we did stop at the Farnsworth House. Had one or two beers. I wasn’t real impressed by them. Returned to camp and again went straight to bed.
Next day was to be the big Pickett’s Charge. I was excited, as I think was everyone else has we were portraying Garnett’s Brigade. However, we were short of men. Thanks to Mike Clarke and his pards for swelling our ranks that day. The battle started about how it should have, but after that, nothing else went the way it should have. I was almost disappointed, even embarrassed to be a part of it. The entire time we were flanked by the Federals, and to make matters worse, the officers kept stopping us to hold meetings. When we finally hit the wall, it was even worse. Joel, Tim, Jordan, one of the members from West Virginia, (sorry I can’t remember who it was) was to make it over the wall. I myself got stuck with the color guard along with Sgt Major Chapman. I was ordered to go over with the Sgt. Major to protect the colors. Anyway, nothing went as it should. However, after we advanced and everyone but myself took a hit, I found myself all alone in the midst of the Federal Line. I started to back track, but instead decided to just surrender. So when you watch the video, and one lone Confederate Sergeant surrenders, its me!
Thus ended the 140th of Gettysburg. Like the 140th Sharpsburg, it was a disappointment. I think that we had to high of expectations, as we did with the 140th Sharpsburg. I will say this, it was well organized and we couldn’t have asked to be closer to sutlers, parking and porta johns. At least some things went well.
After Action Report
Ok, a living history in Gettysburg, not entirely original, but it wasn’t bad either. I again was the first member to arrive. I decided to walk around since I was the first one there and I knew it would be some time before anyone else arrived. Capt. Pappy arrived, as did Tom Jenkins before six and we went about setting everything up. Tim was the next to show up. It was starting to get late and we were getting worried about some of the others such as Joel and Jordan. We called Jordan and later found out that he was not going to arrive until morning, and Joel finally pulled up. It turns out that he was not aware of the weekend. We decided to go and get a bite to eat. Joel and I again went to “the mines” and did twelve-ounce elbow curls. Went back to camp and got some sleep.
Saturday, Butch Jordan and the ladies showed up. Adding to our numbers form Chuck the night before and others, we had our twelve required. The day went well, we did several demonstrations and finally were able to make proper “hoe cakes”. Joel I suggested to Joel that he go and stand in the wax museum to try to fool some tourists. He went in a stood perfectly still outside of one of the displays. It looked good especially in the low lighting. Tim and myself decided to hide behind the corner when we saw some tourists coming towards him. Soon after, I heard a girl come running up screaming, “Oh my god it feels like real skin, its gross!” Tim and I ran the other way laughing harder than I think I ever had. Later Joel related that they had continued to touch him and they were none the wiser. That night, Joel and I again lifted weights, this time at O’Rourke’s. We brought some back and settled in for a few. Setting around the fire, I began to feel myself doze off. Some smart aleck (Joel) decided it would be funny to lay my half full cup under my face so that I would be resting in it. I wasn’t quite asleep so I heard him discuss this but was to tired to care. A little later I awoke and found I had a nice ring on my forehead. Most of the guys were up, so we had a nice time jawing the night away.
Sunday again went pretty much without incident. We had our twelve guys again. There was a time when the rest of the company decided to hang out under my shelter tent. Other than that it was uneventful. We did get to see an old face, Josh Whitney from the old 63rd Virginia was there. We did recruit heavily while there and now have the possibility of another ten guys and another five for a total of about fifteen if everyone we talked to and Mike Clarke’s boys decide to join.
After Action Report
Gentleman, first I must say, I have sinned against you…………..at the request of Col. Johnson, myself and Capt. Cressler donned the blue for a living history at the Fort. Joel was also there, but thanks to Corporal Downs (because your on the diamond list for this you get your name mentioned), he was not able to get his hands on a Fed uniform, or he would have sinned too! Anyway, after Gettysburg was postponed, Col. Johnson received a request from the good folks at Ft. Mifflin to have some Civil War guys at the Fort for the Fourth of July weekend. Naturally some of us jumped at the chance since our weekend was now free.
Our day started out at Messiah College, Captain Cressler and I were waiting fro Joel Busenitz (who overslept) when a rather strange lady approached us and began to tell a story that went nowhere. Undaunted, we waited for Joel and kind of hid so that we would not be spotted by any more well-wishers. When Joel finally showed up, even later than anticipated, it was learned that he had been pulled over for driving a “little to fast”. Luckily he received no citation, and all was well as we began the long trip to the Fort.
The ride down was uneventful except for the fact that we listened to some “colorful” music from a CD with to Confederate flags on the front. The contents of this CD will not be discussed here, however, speak to one of us at the next event and we will discuss the matter further. Of course when we arrived we were greeted by all manner of reenactors. From English Civil War to American Civil War. There were about a dozen or so French and Indian and Rev War guys there. Col. Johnson and Lt. Lusky from the Fourth Texas represented American Colonists this weekend. There were also two War of 1812 guys and one Mexican War infantryman. Of the Federal reencators, only one was an actual Federal, the others five or six were members of the battalion who “sinned”. There were also a few Confederates, mostly guys who couldn’t get Federal kits.
I was again placed in charge of the artillery piece, and when volunteers for a crew were asked for, Capt. Cressler was the first to volunteer mostly so he wouldn’t have to dirty his musket). Joel also volunteered but for a more noble reason. After the crew was fitted out, we ran through some gun drill to get the crew up to speed. I informed the ad hoc artillerymen that by the end of the day we would be a finely drilled crew. The day went without a hitch, with the lads doing a fine job, and no one getting hurt. The most memorable thing was the heat, as we were sweltering in the stuffy blue uniforms. Perhaps this was God’s way of punishing us for “our sins”. Of course, there were free hot dogs and drinks all day, and the three of us must have eaten more than our fair share.
After the public left around 4:30 pm, we were promised a barbecue and beer and let me say they did not disappoint. There was more than enough to eat and way more than enough to drink. The problem being, on empty stomachs and being outside all day, we were wasted by 6 pm! We then began a poker game with Capt. Cressler, Joel, Lt. Lusky and myself that quickly devolved into nothing but debauchery. A little friendly poker tip: Capt. Cressler CHEATS! I had a feeling this was happening and it did not take long to figure it out.
We were the only three staying the night so we pretty much had the run of the fort. The caretaker Wayne gave us a brief tour and discussion of the fort. We had the great opportunity to see something that the public does not get to see, actual soldier graffiti from the last half of the nineteenth Century. It was cool to see scribbling from soldiers dated in the 1870 and 1880s! Because of a freak power outage, the room we were to stay in had no ac but lights; we ended staying the museum part, which had AC but no lights. Two occurrences that happened during the night that I will share with you.
First, with the many fireworks going off around the city of Philadelphia that evening, Joel commented on how it sounded like a distant bombardment. It was not hard to close your eyes and imagine this. It gave an extra bit of feel to the weekend. The second thing involves Capt. Cressler. Some time in the night he awoke to hear footsteps in the next room. We never did figure out where they were coming from, but according to the caretaker, we were the only ones there and he was asleep at the time. I will let you draw your own conclusions. Otherwise, we awoke Sunday morning and made our way home without further incident.
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Iron Heritage Festival
Well, has I did not arrive until Saturday morning; I will let others regale you with their tales of that night. The first thing I encountered as I arrived; Jordan Chrobot became the second member of the “diamond list”. He accomplished this by leaving soon after I arrived to go and see a WOMAN. At the time we derided him greatly, but in hindsight, I think any one of us would have probably done the same. Anyway, this being a living history, our day was filled with drill and first person accounts, including mail call and the issuing of rations. The rations being the most interesting part of the whole experience. What we did was, spread out a gum rubber, and then we took as equal as we could make portions of cornmeal and flour and coffee beans and distributed these to the men. What made this interesting was the fact that the ingredients were all laid loose and the men were then left to their own devices as to what to do. This is why many soldiers cooked and ate their three-day rations soon after they were issued. The boys all made a go of it with mixed results, but everything was at least edible.
Of course later on we made out way on to the main street where vendors were set up and we enjoyed a better fare. Of course, the weirdoes were in out in full, and we got not a moments rest. It is here however, that Capt. Cressler received his new handle “Capt. Pappy”. His granddaughter was there this weekend and of course, called him Pappy. Well, at one point in the day, to get his attention I called him Capt. Pappy. Well, the name stuck (at least with Corporal Downs and myself). Otherwise the day went pretty much normal. As for Sunday and the rest of Saturday after I had to leave, see one of the other members for details.
After Action Report
Excursion to Pennypacker Mills,
On Saturday June 8, Private Joel Busenitz and myself started the trek towards Pennypacker Mills in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. At the time it had just started raining and we were looking forward to it clearing up so that we could enjoy the weekend. This event was a first for all of us, and I for one was excited about it. Of course, Joel was ready to crash under the fly as he was under the impression Captain Cressler was going to be there waiting for us, but alas it was not to be. We ran into trouble on the way down as our vehicle broke the pipe between the muffler and the catalytic converter, not really hindering us, but conversation was strained at best.
We arrived in Schwenksville and had no problem finding the site. The weather had definitely taken a toll on numbers for this event, and after some inquiry, we found no problems in finding a unit to hook up with. We were welcomed into the fold by Members of the 19th Virginia, who is with the 2nd Regt. Of PACS. We were informed that the morning formation was scheduled for 11 am but nothing was definite since the rain was coming down in steady torrents by this time. At this point, Joel and I decided to check out the sutlers and see what wares were being peddled this weekend. Not to many, although there were a few items which we found handy such as cigars and a shelter half for Joel, which will come into play later.
We later found out that the days events were canceled, but it looked good for Sunday since the weather was to clear up. At this point Joel and I tried to rig up some kind of shelter after a quick reconnaissance of the area for some alternate methods of shelter should our she-bang not come to fruition. At first we tried just upright poles, and this failed. The tent seemed to sag one way or the other no matter what we tried. After scratching our heads for awhile and trying this or that, we decided to sit down and think about this. We rejoined our new friends with the 19th as we pondered our next move over a cup of coffee. At this point, my body was wore out from being up all the night before, so I retired for a short nap. At this point, the details are hazy, but when Joel woke me up, he had secured to crotch uprights and a ridgepole from a nearby patch of woods. At last, we had the shelter licked, or we thought so. Everything was going fine until we were hoisting the tent up on the ridge pole when SNAP! Our ridgepole was no more. God apparently had made up his mind that we were not going to put this shelter up, and of course who were we to argue with God. So, resigning ourselves to sleeping on the Pennypacker mansion porch, we decided to Go get some libations from the local store. On the way to the vehicle, we decided to scout out the local area and customs. After some considerable searching, we came to a gas and go run by a fine middle eastern gentleman who had no idea where a local pub was located. He however did point us in the direction of his current customer, a kind lady who pointed us in the direction of Collegeville, PA, and fine little village a mile or so down the road.
It was here that we found our way to the Office Pub, this place might as well have been called the Dew Drop Inn. Every patron at this establishment was well on their way to being tanked when we walked in. We ordered ourselves some drinks and sat down or a few minutes when the billiard table beckoned to us. It was at this point that almost every person in the bar asked us why we were dressed the way we were. After being satisfied with our explanation, they seemed to welcome us into their fold with a sort of indifference that we could only have hoped for. The next hour or so was spent shooting some games of 8 and 9 ball while enjoying the drinks. The results of the game I will leave to your imagination, but only so as not to hurt the feelings of my fine traveling partner.
The rain had stopped for some time now so we decided to head back to camp. We were able to forage two six packs for the night ahead. We arrived back at camp to catcalls of “Did you get lost”, etc, and settled in for some lively conversation with the 19th. We were not disappointed as our hosts turned out to be quite the storytellers.
After we decided to retire, we made our way to a stand of pine trees that was originally going to house our shelter, we decided that since the rain had stopped we were going to brave it. Of course, our canvas that we had stashed there was missing. We inquired at the nearest camp, which it turns out had no idea of what happened. We next began to walk towards the living history impressionist tents. We saw some canvas stretched out over some benches that resembled our shelter halves, but instead of accusing the gentlemen who played Lee, Longstreet and Pickett, we politely asked if they saw someone grab the canvas and run. To which “General Pickett” responded, “oh, we grabbed it, we thought it was abandoned, we were looking out for yous”. Later I made te comment to Joel that I’m surprised it wasn’t in his trunk already. Anyway, we thanked them and made our way to our pine trees where we passed a semi comfortable night, even if there were roots poking us.
The next day, dawned bright and rain free. Our blood was up with the prospect of a fight, and we prepared ourselves accordingly. We walked up the hill to our new compatriots in the 19th Virginia, when to our dismayed were informed that the rest of the event was cancelled due to flooding in the battlefield. We were definitely hurt at this point. All our suffering would be for naught as we took the coffee that was offered and let it open our eyes to the new day. We were invited to breakfast by our new friends, but decided that we would get an early stat and find a diner on our way home.
After some more inquiring in Schwenksville, we found no diner nearby. We decided to start home and stop at one on the way, since I knew nearby Pottstown would be brimming with them. We decided to try the next town over, the name of which escapes me, maybe Joel knows, but drove around and finding nothing, again asked for directions. We were pointed in the direction of an “food place” by a local man who seemed frightened by us. This turned out to be poor information, since it was more of a deli and they didn’t serve any type of breakfast.
We next proceeded to the town of Limerick where we found a diner that seemed to be the social happening in the county at that time. We were seating immediately, however, found out that had Captain Cressler been along, we would still have been searching for a diner because it was “no smoking”. The waitress gave us one of the more comical moments of the weekend when asking us, “Our you guys in some kind of show?” We politely explained who we were, but after she walked away, wished we had made a more comical approach such as, “No we’re English actually.” We had a nice breakfast for the price and our bellies full, we decided to head for home. I crossed the street for gas, and we were headed home. The rest of the trip passed without incident, save for a few wrong turns. Otherwise, we made it home in one piece.
Pennypacker Mills has the potential to be a good event, and I suggest we take a look at it for next year, weather permitting. The local scene is worth the trip however, do not expect the locals to know there way around.
After Action Report, Hanover Middle School, Hanover, PA, May 2-3.
Hanover Middle School is an interesting event. One that many of us want nothing to do with and one many of us look forward to. The 5th graders curriculum revolves around the American Civil War. The learn to march and make there own “uniforms” as well as learn about the battles, music and people that made up the time. It all culminates in this weekend where reenactors for both sides show up, drill them, put on living history demonstration, and take them into their own mock battle.
As I was not able to make it Friday night, I ask you to look to Captain Cressler for details; I can only report what I saw. Saturday morning, when I arrived, we were just getting ready to put them through some intense drills. Chrobot and I were in charge of one company, while Sean Reardon and Butch Reardon were in charge of another. After drilling them for an hour or so, we took them up to where the federal artillery was putting on a demonstration for them. It was during this that Chrobot broke into his famous “Full Metal Jacket” routine, keeping us all trying to maintain ourselves while in front of the kids.
More drill followed, with a bagged lunch of fried chicken before we took them over for the living history part. Butch talked about weapons, while Jordan and Sean talked about uniforms. I put on a first person talk of soldier life, while the Yankees filled in the gap with several demonstration of their own.
Afterwards, came the battle. I led the four privates out in a skirmish line that traded shots with the Yankees for a short time. Eventually we fell back and Captain Cressler took the first company out while I waited with the second company in reserve. While I saw the perfect opportunity for a flank attack, Captain Cressler would not allow it, (out of professional courtesy). I then took out the second company with Chrobot. I had been planning on taking a hit and leaving Chrobot on his own, but was thinking better of myself. Of course, Chrobot didn’t mind taking a hit and leaving me on my own! After fighting back and forth for awhile, the Federals decided to make one final push. Before we were swept completely off the field, Ron Palese called a truce and he and Captain Cressler had a “parlay”. We were defeated, but held our heads high. And of course the kids had a good time!
After Action Report, Neshaminy, Bensalem, PA, April 25-27.
April 25 started out a beautiful morning, Captain Cressler, Dave Ryan and myself again met at Captain Cressler’s for the trip to the Philadelphia area. We arrived a little after one in the afternoon and immediately set up camp. Rain was forecast and we were taking no chances! We of course were the first ones from the 48th their, with the only other battalion member being Captain Rodman who was overall commander for the weekend. Before the rains came, other members of the 4th Texas began to arrive, but still no one from the 48th. Finally Chrobot, Joel Busenitz and Tim Downs showed up (as I was getting ready for bed), I got them squared away and postponed my slumber for a few hours. It had been raining quite a bit since then, but everyone seemed cheery and ready to get the first battle event of the season off to a start. Saturday, Tom Jenkins showed, but we were still well short of our expected numbers. Tom also brought the bad news that several members of the unit weren’t going to show. The 4ht was also short of their expected number, so we found ourselves in familiar surroundings, a consolidated company with the 4th and ourselves. I some how got the put as the 1st Sergeant for the combined unit, and was more than happy to help wherever I could.
Saturday again was cold and wet. The only drill that we had was a facings and manual or arms drill from Captain Coates of the 4th, and then we hunkered down and waited for the battle to come.
The battle started as a tactical, which is the norm at this event. We were pushed about a mile before the battle for the spectators actually began. Since the battle portrayed was that of Salem Church, we were pushed back to our works, which we held against several charges of the Yankees. Eventually, the battle ended in a stalemate, and we marched back to camp to relax and enjoy the evening. The evening passed uneventfully, with myself and the rest of the men, save for Captain Cressler, sleeping under the fly in the cool night air. This event was bittersweet since it was Dave Ryan’s last event before his departure for West Point in June. We will miss Dave considerably, but wish him nothing but the best and our heartfelt and sincerest prayers for him and his family. That morning, Tom Jenkins was laid up with foot problems and had to depart, and Dave Ryan and myself also had to leave early due to unforeseeable commitments. You can look to Captain Cressler for the details of Sunday.
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After Action Report, Fort Mifflin, PA, April 12-13, 2003
Saturday morning, Captain Cressler, I, and Private Dave Ryan all arrived around 9a. We were worried when no one else from the company was there yet; however we were not disappointed when Privates Wayne Horne, Butch Reardon, George Hyler, Jordan Chrobot, Joel Busenitz, Tom Jenkins and Tim Downs showed up almost at the same time. We formed up in the parking lot and marched in and met up with members of the 4th Texas who along with us represented the battalion for the weekend. The fort may have been a shock to those who hadn’t seen it, but I myself had been looking forward to this since the battalion meeting in January. For some shots of the fort, see the picture section of the website. Of course, the shock to everyone was the swamp that at one time was the parade ground! After we all took a bunk in Casemate No. 1, except for Butch George Tom and Wayne, but we’ll get to that in a bit, we started the morning with some light drill with facings and manual of arms. After this, we went through bayonet drill taught to us by Colonel Johnson. We learned a more advanced style than what had been taught to us before, and we look forward to being able to use it some more.
After a brief lunch we helped to clear some brush away from a wall just outside of the fort at the water battery. The water battery was built as a buffer between the river and the fort’s main gate in case of attack. We then had some company drill in the afternoon, followed by battalion drill. For a change of pace, I was able to lead some members of the battalion in artillery drill for some spectators and Colonel Johnson!
After a meal prepared by members of the staff of the fort, we settled in for a night of enjoyment. Private Chrobot and Busenitz and myself walked along the parapets and encountered several geese, one who was guarding her nest, she almost got the better of young Jordan who took off running when her mate decided to come and see what the excitement was all about! And of course, with reinforcements in the form of Dave Ryan Time Downs and Captain Cressler, Jordan was more than ready to take on the geese. Of course no one else was and the geese won with only the loss of Jordan’s pride and a good laugh from all of us!
That night a band came to play for us and we all wound down with some period music and drink. Captain Cressler and Lieutenant Moore from the 4th danced a jig for all of us, afterwards followed by a waltz demonstration by myself and Sergeant Major Chapman. Sergeant Major Chapman and another member of the 4th challenged us to a chicken fight to which Joel Busenitz and Jordan Chrobot obliged. Unfortunately we were not successful, but eagerly look forward to the rematch.
That night, while the rest of us stayed comfortably in Casemate No. 1, Wayne Horne, Tom Jenkins, George Hyler and Butch Reardon decided to stay in Casemate No. 5. Fort Mifflin is definitely one of the most haunted places I stayed, but of all the places in the fort, No. 5 is the worst. The worst of the worst were imprisoned there, form Yankee deserters to murderers and rapists. Lots of folks have had experiences in there. These brave souls didn’t encounter much while they were there, but pictures taken with Wayne’s digital camera revealed a lot more than some would want. One of the pics can be seen in the pictures area. Keep an eye out for the “orbs” in the photo.
Meanwhile over in Casemate No. 1, Captain Cressler and Dave Ryan set up cots to sleep on that night, while Tim Downs, Jordan Chrobot, Joel Busentiz and myself decided to sleep as they would have, on the wooden bunks. Joel and Tim slept in their own, while Chrobot and myself, always looking to go the extra step in authenticity decided to share a bunk as was the custom during the fort’s nineteenth century service. By the next morning, Tim Downs was in his car, Joel was sleeping on a bench on the other side of the casemate (he claims my snoring drove him away), and Captain Cressler had gotten his coffee already.
The next day, was pretty much the same, with skirmish drill substituting for battalion drill, and no work party. The day ended by noon and the company held a brief meeting.
Hope to see everyone their next year s the battalion is planning on repeating the weekend. On a side note, it was the first event in a long time that we had everyone show up that was registered!
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After Action Report, Neshaminy, Bensalem, PA, April 25-27.
April 25 started out a beautiful morning, Captain Cressler, Dave Ryan and myself again met at Captain Cressler’s for the trip to the Philadelphia area. We arrived a little after one in the afternoon and immediately set up camp. Rain was forecast and we were taking no chances! We of course were the first ones from the 48th their, with the only other battalion member being Captain Rodman who was overall commander for the weekend. Before the rains came, other members of the 4th Texas began to arrive, but still no one from the 48th. Finally Chrobot, Joel Busenitz and Tim Downs showed up (as I was getting ready for bed), I got them squared away and postponed my slumber for a few hours. It had been raining quite a bit since then, but everyone seemed cheery and ready to get the first battle event of the season off to a start. Saturday, Tom Jenkins showed, but we were still well short of our expected numbers. Tom also brought the bad news that several members of the unit weren’t going to show. The 4ht was also short of their expected number, so we found ourselves in familiar surroundings, a consolidated company with the 4th and ourselves. I some how got the put as the 1st Sergeant for the combined unit, and was more than happy to help wherever I could.
Saturday again was cold and wet. The only drill that we had was a facings and manual or arms drill from Captain Coates of the 4th, and then we hunkered down and waited for the battle to come.
The battle started as a tactical, which is the norm at this event. We were pushed about a mile before the battle for the spectators actually began. Since the battle portrayed was that of Salem Church, we were pushed back to our works, which we held against several charges of the Yankees. Eventually, the battle ended in a stalemate, and we marched back to camp to relax and enjoy the evening. The evening passed uneventfully, with myself and the rest of the men, save for Captain Cressler, sleeping under the fly in the cool night air. This event was bittersweet since it was Dave Ryan’s last event before his departure for West Point in June. We will miss Dave considerably, but wish him nothing but the best and our heartfelt and sincerest prayers for him and his family. That morning, Tom Jenkins was laid up with foot problems and had to depart, and Dave Ryan and myself also had to leave early due to unforeseeable commitments. You can look to Captain Cressler for the details of Sunday.
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After Action Report, Hanover Middle School,
Hanover Middle School is an interesting event. One that many of us want nothing to do with and one many of us look forward to. The 5th graders curriculum revolves around the American Civil War. The learn to march and make there own “uniforms” as well as learn about the battles, music and people that made up the time. It all culminates in this weekend where reenactors for both sides show up, drill them, put on living history demonstration, and take them into their own mock battle.
As I was not able to make it Friday night, I ask you to look to Captain Cressler for details; I can only report what I saw. Saturday morning, when I arrived, we were just getting ready to put them through some intense drills. Chrobot and I were in charge of one company, while Sean Reardon and Butch Reardon were in charge of another. After drilling them for an hour or so, we took them up to where the federal artillery was putting on a demonstration for them. It was during this that Chrobot broke into his famous “Full Metal Jacket” routine, keeping us all trying to maintain ourselves while in front of the kids.
More drill followed, with a bagged lunch of fried chicken before we took them over for the living history part. Butch talked about weapons, while Jordan and Sean talked about uniforms. I put on a first person talk of soldier life, while the Yankees filled in the gap with several demonstration of their own.
Afterwards, came the battle. I led the four privates out in a skirmish line that traded shots with the Yankees for a short time. Eventually we fell back and Captain Cressler took the first company out while I waited with the second company in reserve. While I saw the perfect opportunity for a flank attack, Captain Cressler would not allow it, (out of professional courtesy). I then took out the second company with Chrobot. I had been planning on taking a hit and leaving Chrobot on his own, but was thinking better of myself. Of course, Chrobot didn’t mind taking a hit and leaving me on my own! After fighting back and forth for awhile, the Federals decided to make one final push. Before we were swept completely off the field, Ron Palese called a truce and he and Captain Cressler had a “parlay”. We were defeated, but held our heads high. And of course the kids had a good time!
Louden Heights June 4 & 5th
Private Mike Clarke
Louden Heights June 4 & 5th
Private Matt Locke
140th Gettysburg
1st Serg. Aaron Stine
Gettysburg Wax Museum Sept 7-8, 2003
1st Sergeant Stine
July 5, 2003
Ft. Mifflin, PA
Danville, PA
July 19 and 20, 2003
Schwenksville, PA
1st Serg. Aaron Stine
1st Sergeant Aaron Stine
1st Sergeant Aaron Stine
1st Sergeant Aaron Stine
1st Sergeant Aaron Stine
Hanover, PA, May 2-3.
1st Sergeant Aaron Stine
