Identified 62″ N.Y. Anderson Zouaves Badge – Wounded in Action – Fredericksburg / SOLD

Description

Identified 62″ N.Y. Anderson Zouaves Badge

Wounded in Action – Fredericksburg

 

Two-piece regimental badge. Engraved silver VI Corps cross with cast bronze “Anderson Zouaves” medal. Soldered pin to reverse of cross. 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.

 

Obverse of cross engraved “Andrew Monroe, / Co. K. / 62nd N.Y. V. / A.Z.: Obverse of lower medal features an armed zouave with the legend:
*Andreson Zouaves / 1861, 62, Rebt. N.Y. 1865.

 

This interesting badge, composed of a finely engraved silver VI Corps badge married to a cast bronze medal commemorating the Anderson Zouaves, is identified to Andrew Monroe (d. 1899) of Company K.

 

Following the fall of Fort Sumter, the 62nd New York Infantry was raised in New York by Col. John Lafayette Riker in 1861 and named to honor Major Robert Anderson. Monroe enlisted on 2 September 1861, and shortly thereafter, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac. In 1862, it joined the Peninsula Campaign with heavy action throughout the spring and summer. Though nearby, it did not reach the Antietam Battlefield until 18 September 1862.

 

In December, the regiment fought at the Battle of Fredericksburg and again at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg (Maryes Heights). Overall, 10 men were killed and 7 mortally wounded, and 4 officers and 45 men were wounded in an unsuccessful assault. Among them was Monroe. During his convalescence, he deserted on 7 July 1863. Apparently, the prospect of healing at his nearby home was just too tempting.

 

Inventory Number: IDE 320