Who was BG Joshua Chamberlain?

2016-05-28T18:24:23-04:00

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.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 28 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-05-28T18:27:11-04:00

CPT Joseph K Murdock thanks for the feed and read. Well said and profoundly stated.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 28 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-05-28T18:29:32-04:00

OMG! I Think I know his Great Great Grandson, Someone that looks just like him. CTM2 David "Speed" Chamberlain USN one of the Best Mat Cranks I've had the pleasure to serve with and an Awesome Guitar Player.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 7:55 PM

2016-05-28T19:55:35-04:00

CPT Joseph K Murdock Great read. BG Chamberlain embodied the leadership traits, we should all strive to perfect. They were the real leaders of their time. Won't ever see Generals near a battle front again.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 28 at 2016 7:57 PM

2016-05-28T19:57:44-04:00

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.

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Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 28 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-05-28T20:23:39-04:00

I've read about him and saw a movie made about him and his men. He was a born leader!!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 28 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-05-28T21:04:09-04:00

CPT Joseph K Murdock, we spent a great deal of time studying Brigadier General (Brevet Major General) Joshua Chamberlain and his innovative charge at the Battle of Little Round Top during the Command and General Staff Officer Course. He was later Governor of Maine, the President of Bowdoin College and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-05-29T09:26:40-04:00

He also went on to be Maine's Governor. I grew up in Maine, and I have been on the campus at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME where he was a professor.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 9:32 AM

2016-05-29T09:32:31-04:00

"Fix bayonets. Fix bayonets." Bayonets fixed. "Charge, Charge, Charge" and down the hill the remaining 80 Soldiers of the 20th Maine went.

Response by MAJ Andrew Ready made May 29 at 2016 10:50 AM

2016-05-29T10:50:01-04:00

nice post

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 29 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-05-29T11:20:04-04:00

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Mar 11 at 2020 2:17 PM

2020-03-11T14:17:47-04:00

Great Bio on Union General Chamberlain

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 9:21 AM

2020-03-12T09:21:22-04:00

Gettysburg.