Civil War History - Gettysburg ForumGettysburg! It's not just a National Park. It's a Civil War Battlefield. For some it's historic and storied past are almost an obsession! All related discussions are welcome here!
I pulled out my copy of Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine, which contains a roster of all the men who fought with the 20th Maine at Gettysburg, including the men of the 2nd Maine, and there is not Bucklin listed in the roster. There are several men with the name of Buck, but no Bucklin. It would seem that Bucklin was another fictional character created by Shaara, along with Kilrain, to aid in telling the story, and it was incorporated into the movie.
__________________ "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
I pulled out my copy of Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine, which contains a roster of all the men who fought with the 20th Maine at Gettysburg, including the men of the 2nd Maine, and there is not Bucklin listed in the roster. There are several men with the name of Buck, but no Bucklin. It would seem that Bucklin was another fictional character created by Shaara, along with Kilrain, to aid in telling the story, and it was incorporated into the movie.
i believe the man you mentioned (buck) was one of the inspirations for kilrain's character. mind you this is from wikipedia so it very well may be false.
The incident that is mentioned in wikipedia is true. The soldier George Buck had been a sergeant, but he had been demoted when he was ordered to perform a task by the quartermaster, but was too sick to do it. He apparently struck the officer and Chamberlain had to demote him, though the quartermaster probably deserved to be slugged. He was shot in the upper chest, and during the fighting, Chamberlain came to him and did his best to comfort the dying soldier. Buck asked Chamberlain to tell his mother that he had not died a coward, and that is when Chamberlain said that "you die a sergeant; I promote you for faithful service and noble courage on the field of Gettysburg!" He was carried to the rear where he later died on the Fourth of July.
Unfortunately, Kilrain wasn't promoted back to sergeant (that I recall) in either the book or the movie. But still, he does seem to be partially based on a real member of the 20th Maine.
__________________ "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
I personally feel that if the movie Gettysburg would have portrayed the story of Private Buck, field promotion Sgt. Buck; as you wrote it--I think it would have been fantastic!
At least Kilrain was a Sergeant when he appeared in Gods and Generals
Pity there is no funding to make the last portion - Last Full Measure.
Just some thoughts.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
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Pvt. Bucklin 
Pvt. Brandon Benner
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