The officer reportedly pulled off his son's helmet, not knowing who the soldier was, only to be asked to tell the boy's mother that he died a "Christian death"?
Who was this historical figure? It smacks of legend to me, especially considering I heard it at the battle field initially, but I would like to know. <3
2007-12-04 11:04:53 · 3 answers · asked by Noble Poet 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
No body was wearing helmets in the Civil War.
2007-12-04 11:34:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both Brigadier General Lewis Armistead, CSA and his son were killed at Gettysburg.
If you've seen the Turner film Gettysburg, Armistead is the officer who was mortally wounded in Pickett's Charge, and was told that General Winfield Scott Hancock was also wounded, and said "No not both of us". They had been close friends when they were in the US Army, and faced each other for the last time that day.
This link also points out that Armistead's uncle was the commander of Ft. McHenry, who defended the first "Star Spangled Banner".
2007-12-04 13:42:33 · answer #2 · answered by william_byrnes2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that one, but I've heard that there was an officer in the Civil War who was warned by his men not to stand out in the open because of enemy snipers.
His (very appropriate) last words were:
"They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist--"
5 DEC 07, 0425 hrs, GMT.
2007-12-04 15:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋