rhp6033
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2011
- Location
- Everett, Washington
During the Battle of Chickamauga, the 21st Ohio felt much of the brunt of the Confederate assaults. They dealt out more than their share of punishment on the Rebs, thanks to their .45 Colt repeating rifles.
But as the afternoon progressed, and the 21st beat back repeated assaults but was running short of ammunition, the Ohio men were cracking under the strain. One normally mature and reliable soldier was found hiding behind a tree in the rear, proclaiming himself to be wounded. Lt. Vance demanded to know where he was wounded, and the soldier pointed to his forehead, where there was no evidence of trauma. Vance beat him with his sword until he returned to the firing line. Ten minutes later Vance saw the same soldier, lying on the ground stone dead – with a bullet hole right through the forehead. Vance later said he felt like a murderer, having consigned the man to his fate.
But as the afternoon progressed, and the 21st beat back repeated assaults but was running short of ammunition, the Ohio men were cracking under the strain. One normally mature and reliable soldier was found hiding behind a tree in the rear, proclaiming himself to be wounded. Lt. Vance demanded to know where he was wounded, and the soldier pointed to his forehead, where there was no evidence of trauma. Vance beat him with his sword until he returned to the firing line. Ten minutes later Vance saw the same soldier, lying on the ground stone dead – with a bullet hole right through the forehead. Vance later said he felt like a murderer, having consigned the man to his fate.