Injuries from Shell Fragments

[NH Civil War Gal]

From The National Museum of Civil War Medicine

When thinking about projectile injuries during the Civil War, many people think of gunshot wounds and direct hits from cannon balls. However, 12% of all wounds treated at field hospitals during the American Civil War were the result of shell fragments. These fragments could be any size ranging from a pinky nail to a softball, and even bigger. These injuries would rip through men causing catastrophic injuries that required major medical operations and treatment, as is the case of Pvt Frederick S of the 149th Pennsylvania Co. A. At age 19 on July 13, 1864, he was wounded by a large shell fragment. He was quartered at City Point in the 5th Corps Hospital to be taken care of by Surgeon W.L. Faxon where water dressings were placed over the wound for healing. Scarring advanced quite quickly and Frederick was furloughed on September 12, 1864, and was mustered out of service on June 24, 1865.

Image credit: "Fired bullets, a piece of iron case shot, and a shell fragment from the Battle of Fort Stevens", National Parks Service; "Case 1228 Pvt. Frederick S, Co A 149th Pennsylvania" Mutter Museum.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Can recall one example of a seemingly relatively minor wounding by a shell fragment having consequential material effects on the Confederate command structure.

It was a fragment from a bursting artillery shell overhead that took Hood out of the fight early during the assault on July 2 at Gettysburg. The shrapnel struck him in the left arm. A description given at the time of his wounding was, 'he fell from his horse, utterly prostrated, and almost fainted'. Although the wounding did not appear too serious at first, Hood was left confined for two months (remaining under medical treatment for one month) and thereafter lost the full use of his arm.

 

[JackADriscoll]

You know when the surgeons mate is sketching your wound that you are special or when the doc invites others in the room to look at you