Civil War Identification Disk of William J. Halderman 11th Pennsylvania Reserves and 190th Pennsylvania Infantry Battle of Gettysburg Veteran / SOLD
Brass identification disk with patriotic shield motif and the legend “AGAINST REBELLION 1861.” The opposite side has the punched identification “W. J. HALDERMAN / CO. C. / 11, REG / P.R.C. / BUTLER.” William J. Halderman enlisted in June 1861 as a corporal in the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves (40th Pennsylvania Infantry). He was wounded and captured during the Confederate breakthrough at Gaines Mill and briefly imprisoned at Libby Prison and Belle Isle until exchanged. He was promoted to sergeant in July 1862, and 1st sergeant in April 1863. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Halderman and the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves used their Model 1842 smoothbore muskets with buck and ball cartridges to devastating effect in their advance through the Valley of Death toward the Wheatfield. Halderman reenlisted in May 1864 and was transferred to the 190th Pennsylvania, which was engaged in numerous actions around Petersburg. He was mustered out in June 1865 a veteran of many battles. Halderman’s identification badge measures 1 1/8” and has sharp details and a considerable amount of gold wash remaining, with verdigris developing in places. The disk is accompanied by a hardcover copy of the 2002 history Three Years in the Bloody Eleventh: The Campaigns of a Pennsylvania Reserves Regiment by Joseph Gibbs.
William J. Halderman - Residence Butler County PA; Enlisted on 6/10/1861 as a Corporal. On 6/10/1861 he mustered into "C" Co. PA 40th Infantry. He was transferred out on 5/31/1864. On 5/31/1864 he transferred into PA 190th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 6/28/1865 at Washington, DC. Promotions: Sergt 7/1/1862. 1st Sergt 4/10/1863
PENNSYLVANIA 40TH INFANTRY (Three Years)
Fortieth Infantry.-Cols., T. F. Gallagher, Samuel M. Jackson; Lieut.Cols., James R. Porter, Samuel M. Jackson, Daniel S. Porter, Robert A. McCoy; Majs. S. M. Jackson, Robert Litzinger, Peter A. Johns, James P. Speer, Robert A. McCoy, James C. Burke. The 40th, the 11th reserve regiment, was composed of men from the western part of the state, who rendezvoused at Camp Wright, near Pittsburg. On June 24, 1861, the regiment left camp and proceeded to Harrisburg, thence to Washington, where it was mustered into the U. S. service on the 29th and 30th for a three-year, term. In July it was ordered to the camp of the reserves at Tennallytown, assigned to the 2nd brigade of the reserve corps and stationed at Great Falls, where it had a skirmish with the enemy posted on the other side of the Potomac. Winter quarters were established near Langley, Va., and much enthusiasm was aroused by the victory at Dranesville, though the 2nd brigade arrived too late to participate. The regiment served on the Peninsula in the corps under Gen. Fitz John Porter; was present at the battles of Mechanicsville, and Gaines, mill, where the regiment met with disaster, though it held its ground in the face of the enemy's fire until the troops on both sides were driven back. The smoke and the density of the wood in which the battle raged prevented the troops from observing that they were being cut off, and when surrounded they endeavored to fight their way back. This became impossible and the regiment was captured after losing 46 men killed and 109 wounded. One company of the regiment under Capt. Porter, escaped capture, having been detailed on special duty. This company, representing the regiment fought at Glendale and shared in the second battle of Bull Run attached to the 3rd brigade. At South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, the depleted ranks of the 40th conducted themselves gallantly. In Feb. 1863, the regiment was ordered to Washington to rest and recruit. With the 5th corps it shared in the Gettysburg campaign, the pursuit of the Confederate army, the skirmishes at Bristoe and Rappahannock Stations and the Mine Run campaign. The reserves were posted on guard duty along the Orange & Alexandria railroad during the winter of 1863-64, the 40th being encamped at Warrenton Junction and Bristoe Station. Beginning with the Wilderness, the regiment engaged in the battles of the Army of the Potomac during May, 1864, its last engagement being at Bethesda Church, after which the veterans and recruits were transferred to the 190th PA infantry and the regiment returned to Pittsburg, where it was mustered out on June 14, 1864.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 1
Comes housed in a 12 x 16 inch display case with blue velvet backing and descriptive card.
Inventory Number: IDE 204 / SOLD