1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Co. D

A collage of pictures and short video clips from the Gettysburg reenactment at the Daniel Lady Farm. Cpl Fasnacht

From the diary of George K. Swope Co. B, 1st PA Reserves: July 3, 1863 As an instance of the spirit by the "Reserves" on this occasion we will give the following: Sgt Theodore Wenditz of our company, with a guard of 20 men, having 80 rebel prisoners in charge, being noticed to limp, was asked by a Virginian if he was wounded. "No." Was they reply, "I have rheumatism." "Do you go into a fight unwell? We don't" stated the Virginian. "In our state," was the reply of the Sgt, "We go in, on both hands and knees, but such a God forsaken state as Virginia is not worth fighting for." The rebel remained silent. From the book Through the Ordeal of Fire and Blood -Gary T. Hawbaker

On this day July 12th, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signs into law a measure calling for the awarding of a U.S. Army Medal of Honor, in the name of Congress, to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection. On a personal note my family has had the honor of being on the list of recipients for actions done by my great great grandfather during the Civil War. Cpl Fasnacht

In 1863 on day two of the Battle of Gettysburg the men of Company D joined the other of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves in marching on the right side of Little Round top where they formed a brigade front with the men of the 6th, 11, 2nd and and 13th regiments all made up of Pennsylvanians. Upon forming the brigade front they marched forward through the area of Plum Run where they then entered what is commonly called the Bloody Wheatfield to engage the Confederates under the com...mand of Major General Lafayette McLaws. As the brigade was marching towards the Whearfield their commanding general, General Crawford seized the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves regimental flag and led them in a charge into the Wheatfield with the flag bearer holding onto his pant leg so that he didn't lose contact with the flag. The Pennsylvania Reserves under General Crawford were successful in their attack and pushed the Confederates back into the woodline from which they came. In a personal note I, Cpl Fasnacht, am glad the Reserves were put into action becuase my ancestor was involved in the fighting around Devils Den with the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry.

July 1, 1863 one of the greatest Generals (and my personal favorite) dies on the field of battle in Gettysburg. General John Reynolds, native of Lancaster PA was one of the Pennsylvania Reserves first brigade generals. Thank you for your sacrifice for our Nation Sir!

Those of us from Company D would like to wish all the fathers of the Company, Brigade and all of our followers a very good Fathers Day and to remember those fathers that fought during the Civil War. Cpl Fasnacht

Chuck-a-Luck board for some game of chance in the company street, just keep an eye out for the Provost Marshal!