After Action Report Remembrance Day 2011

 

In obedience to Orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the 44^th Georgia, Company C under the command of Captain Clark J. Van Buskirk in the field from November 18 and 19, inclusive:

Under orders to gather under the Sycamore three on Baltimore Street, witness to Abraham Lincoln’s procession prior to delivery of his Gettysburg Address, also witness to the Union retreat through the town the afternoon of July 1st, the Confederate attack on East Cemetery Hill, the evening of July 2nd, and constant skirmishing between both armies on all three days of the battle.

 

Captain Clark J. Van Buskirk and Lady Elizabeth “Betty” Vam Buskirk arrived in advance of the Company, occupying a “campsite” on Artillery Ridge, being joined on the field the morning of the 19^th for a rendezvous at the Memorial to soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy on South Confederate Avenue . Dedicated to the Heroic defenders of their country, Their fame shall be an echo and a light unto eternity. Also in attendance at the memorial were First Sergeant  Art Mallette, Corporal Ken Doran, Corporal David McLean and Lady Elizabeth McLean.

The annual ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors of the Confederacy monument to honor the fallen Confederate soldiers. This ceremony was held in conjunction with Camp 1506 Sons of Confederate Veterans, Isaac W.K. Handy Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Tilghman's Brigade. We were also honored to have the Pennsylvania Division Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans present.

Also in attendance was Major Leo Delcostello of the 27th Virginia and a number of members of his unit. Capt. Clark Van Buskirk Adj. of Camp 1506 SCV and Commander of the 44th Georgia and a number of their members were also present. All total we had 18 in attendance in period clothing along with some spectators who happened to pass by and stop for the ceremony.

Rhonda Florian, Tilghman's Brigade Chaplain spoke on behalf of the organization. Sallie deBarcza officiated over the UDC memorial ceremony and both the Division Commander of the SCV and Clark Van Buskirk spoke on behalf of the SCV. The Division Commander appreciated our efforts in holding this ceremony.

As the Noon hour passed the Company filtered into Alumni Park , expanding their numbers with the addition of Sgt. Rick Sasor and Privates William Ringel, Bart Carlucci, Kurt Haywood, James Marshall and Jim Gelson. “Charlie”, two rebel Marines and Pioneer Raymond Martin joined in the formation, which was led down Baltimore Street and  Steinwehr Avenue , in pursuit of the Union troops, under the leadership of Colonel Gerard E. Mayer. Lady Michale Ringel enthusiastically supported the troops, who reveled in entertaining the throngs of well wishers along the route, encouraged by Sergeant Major Barry Langely and Captain Van Buskirk, who led the cheers, chants and rebel yells announcing the presence of the 44^TH GEORGIA !!!

 

Afterwards the Regiment was addressed by Colonel Duffie Miller and Lt. Col. Mike Snyder to whom we expressed our faith and loyalty in the upcoming campaigns.

As dusk approached the Company returned to Howard Avenue , site of the fierce 1^st Day fighting participated in by our true personalities, where we were joined by Private John Lucas and Marty Runner, a member of Col. Miller’s staff. Contraband Louis Bishop performed the duty of flank watch and disappeared into the field for reconnaissance.

Captain Van Buskirk and Sgt. Sasor spoke words of historical reference, thanks and praise, and  Reverend Jim “plowshares to swords” Gelson delivered a memorable prayer to carry us through our journey into winter quarters.

 

After foraging for rations, and with full bellies, many of the Company visited the Soldiers National Cemetery , where 3500 luminary candles and flags adorned the graves of the Civil War dead.

 

Sun having set, the 44^th began their trips home, to reunite once again in the New Year.

I remain, very respectfully,
J. MARSHALL
Private and Correspondent
Pvt. Jim Marshall
44th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Co. C.
The Johnson Guards