US Civil War, Gettysburg 50th Anniversary Ribbon, 142nd Pennsylvania, 1863-1913
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $125.00

Original era manufacture. A 50th Anniveray Battle of Gettysburg reunion ribbon, honoring the veterans of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer who fought there in 1863. The ribbon with badge measures just over 7 inches in length, displaying the blue disc of the 3rd Division, 1st Army Corps, of the Army of the Potomac. The terrible losses suffered by the 142nd on the first day of the battle, are indicative of the intensity of the struggle there. The casualty list on their monument at Gettysburg is listed below. Only 80 men of the 142nd remained for duty on the evening of July 1st 1863. The 50th reunion meeting, by veterans of both the North and South, was, I believe, the first combined reunion ever held by the GAR and UCV. Original film footage, and still photography exists of the veterans meeting at the stone wall at the Emmitsburg Pike, near the clump of trees, the highwater mark of the Confederacy on July 3rd 1863. Today, some American's have made it a shame, to honor the Confederate Battle Flag. Interesting though, that the Union veterans who fought the Confederacy, welcomed their southern brother Veterans and their flags with open arms in 1913 for the fiftieth, and again in 1938  for the Seventy-fifth anniversary of the Battle  of Gettysburg. Shame on us today for allowing this dishonor to happen. Present at Gettysburg 336 officers and men. Killed & died of wounds 4 officers & 27 men. Wounded 10 officers and 100 men. Captured or missing 2 officers & 156 men.July 1 a.m. Marched from Emmitsburg reaching the field via Willoughby Run. Formed line facing northward. Occupied this position. Charged to support artillery. Reformed here and engaged a Brigade composed of the 11, 26 ,47, and 52 N.C. Infantry. In the afternoon outflanked and retired firing to a position near the Seminary. Here engaged a Brigade composed of the 1, 12, 13, and 14 S.C. Infantry. After a gallant fight again outflanked and retired to Cemetery Hill.