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I write this about BG Joshua Chamberlain as an example of a great leader in the civil war. A college professor, he entered service as a LTC in a Maine regiment. On his way to the assembly areas, he was told of about 100 men from Maine who refused to fight anymore. Using his compassion he requested the deserters to join him which they did, save a few.
His Regiment was posted on the very right flank of the Union defensive line with explicit orders to hold the ground at Gettysburg. He faced a Confederate division and ultimately ran out of ammunition. Retreat or surrender were out of the question, so he ordered the only alternative: fixed bayonets and attack. This took the confederates by surprise and routed their enemy, thus preserving the Union Flank.
Apparently the word spread of the exploits of his Regiment. The Union generals wanted to give them a rest by planting them right in the middle of the line, unbeknown that Lee was attacking right in the middle. Once again the Main regiment fought like victors despite the Confederate corps trying to break open the Union defensive line in the middle.
In a subsequent battle his flag bearer was shot and he ran with the colors only to be shot twice. He survived well considering the archaic nature of medicine back then. He became the only Union Officer to be promoted to General in the field. I think he returned to being a professor again.
In his brief military career he showed compassion, good leadership, warrior spirit, bold decision making, and personal courage.
His Regiment was posted on the very right flank of the Union defensive line with explicit orders to hold the ground at Gettysburg. He faced a Confederate division and ultimately ran out of ammunition. Retreat or surrender were out of the question, so he ordered the only alternative: fixed bayonets and attack. This took the confederates by surprise and routed their enemy, thus preserving the Union Flank.
Apparently the word spread of the exploits of his Regiment. The Union generals wanted to give them a rest by planting them right in the middle of the line, unbeknown that Lee was attacking right in the middle. Once again the Main regiment fought like victors despite the Confederate corps trying to break open the Union defensive line in the middle.
In a subsequent battle his flag bearer was shot and he ran with the colors only to be shot twice. He survived well considering the archaic nature of medicine back then. He became the only Union Officer to be promoted to General in the field. I think he returned to being a professor again.
In his brief military career he showed compassion, good leadership, warrior spirit, bold decision making, and personal courage.
Posted in these groups: 
Civil War
Leadership
Civil War Leadership
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 12
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I've read about him and saw a movie made about him and his men. He was a born leader!!
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SGM Mikel Dawson
CPT Joseph K Murdock - If I remember right, his brother was also with him and a big influence on the ´men as well. He knew the men and the men had faith in him.
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CPT Joseph K Murdock
I agree. He probably needed a confidante. He was the personification of pure and unadulterated leadership.
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I'm not meaning this to quibble, and you might care to read his autobiography avail I think on http://www.gutenberg.org , however, he finished as a Maj Gen, also as recounted in the famous PBS civil war special by Ken Burns. When he accepted the surrender at Appomatox by Confederate Gen John gordonni can't recall his exact grade at the time, that was the case, Joshua Chamberlain positively, for sure, was apparently a Maj Gen, I just thought you might care to know, that's not to diminish what youd mentioned, of course, many thanks.
50,000 free ebooks to download (epub, kindle, android, ipad).
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Capt Daniel Goodman
Genuinely glad it was of interest , loved the post, in any event, for real, honest.
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