Brian C. Pohanka (1955–2005)

The life work of the author, and it shows his passion, dedication and respect for the men of the regiment. The individuals of the unit are given flesh and blood in the text and in dozens of full page photos with accompanying biographical information. It's interesting that the actual combat experience of this famous regiment was primarily limited to a tough stand up slugfest early in the battle of Gaines Mill and their legendary sacrifice at Second Manassas, ten or twenty minutes being rolled over by Hood's Texas Brigade with great slaughter to the regiment. Yet we come to appreciate the unit as a whole, throughout their wartime experiences through the masterful descriptions of Pohanka. This volume includes some of the most effective discussions of life in camp, expressing the punishments meted out to the men for discipline and their general disgust with most of their officers. A fascinating look into the day to day life of a Civil War regiment, highly recommended.… (meer)