I.D. Disc Albert H. Davis K.I.A. Fredericksburg

[skypilot6670]

     
     Albert Davis was born in Ashby Massachusetts on July 6 , 1837. He enlisted on November 28 , 1861 in Co. K 6th New Hampshire Infantry . The regiment was part of the “ 9th Army Corps “ . It was engaged in battle at New Bern , 2nd Bull Run , Chantilly ,Antietam and Fredericksburg. In the last named action Pvt. Davis was killed. This Battle is remembered as one of the most lopsided battles of the war because of repeated  attacks on the heights in back of town by Gen. Burnside against Confederates covered by a stone wall with dug in artillery . 
      His Company musters show no significant entries other than “ Present “ , until Nov.Dec. 1862 , it then shows “ Killed in the Battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13 , 1862 Final statement given “.The Casualty Sheet ( pictured below ) under the “Remarks” heading says “ No Effects “ I guess his I.D. Disc didn’t count.  
 

 

 

[wartimecollectables.com]

We hear and read so much about Pickett's Charge, but the Union charges at Fredericksburg were an equally useless waste of life. Thank you for sharing this.

 

[USCapturephotos]

Another amazing disc. Sad to think that record of his existence boils down to “Present” and “No effects”. Thanks for sharing this beautiful relic with us.

Paul

[skypilot6670]

Thanks for commenting Andrew and Paul . He must have a good solid soldier , no sickness or disciplinary issues. I checked the records for Fredericksburg National Cemetery and he is not buried there or at least not in the known graves.  In 1882 at 70 years old his father received a “ Fathers Pension “ of $8.00 a month.     Mike

[USCapturephotos]

I wonder where he ended up? Again, just really sad.

Paul

[lettow]

This picture is from an entry on ancestry.com for Albert H. Davis of Mew Ipswich.

[skypilot6670]

lettow, That’s a great image and really adds to his story. Thank you very much.  Mike

[katieony]

Thank you for posting another historic disc and for sharing his story!

 

Mike

[cylekostello]

Wow this is amazing mike, thanks for sharing. 

 

Kyle

[skypilot6670]

Thanks Mike and Kyle. The K.I.A. pieces hold a special place in my collection , a tangible piece of the ultimate sacrifice. I’ll post a few more in the coming weeks. Thanks again for commenting I appreciate it.   Mike

[Bluehawk]

Question:

What sort of cord or chain or (?) would typically have been ISSUED with those discs?

[skypilot6670]

Hey Bluehawk.  Most of the disc I’ve seen in period photographs are affixed with a pin broach , some were purchased with a shield type broach with a famous person on it and some had an eagle broach.  I think some were hung on a cord or leather lace ( I have one in my collection with a leather cord I think is period correct ). The disc come in several sizes ranging from dime size to the size of a 50 cent piece.  I’ve several that are dime size with two holes , I think these were on occasion sewn to the uniform.  The badge below is one type of broach purchased from a sutler probably in early 1863 . The other a 2 hole. Mike
 

 

[Bluehawk]

Thanks, Mike

Very informative.

[M24 Chaffee]

I’ve been away for a few days and I’m just catching up here. That’s another interesting disc and history! I can’t imagine how terrible making those multiple charges at Fredericksburg must have been. Not receiving those pontoon boats sooner was very costly. Thanks for presenting more great history!

 

Frank

[skypilot6670]

Hey Frank , your welcome and thanks for commenting. I’ll post below a shield badge from the 50th New York Engineers , he was one of the bridge builders. I’ve been trying to organize my display by connecting the badges and disc that were involved in the same battles or wartime events . I think it will make a more interesting display .  Mike