Colonel Charles Freudenberg MOLLUS Medal

[wartimecollectables.com]

Mollus Medal and CDV pair attributed to Colonel Freudenberg of the 52nd New York Infantry.
The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States has long been a favorite medal of mine. May I share this one from my collection!?

Charles Godfrey Freudenberg was born 5/1/1833 in Germany. He enlisted on 8/3/1861 at New York City as a Captain and commissioned into Co. A, 52nd New York Infantry. He was promoted to Major 11/9/1861, wounded 6/1/1862 at Seven Pines, and promoted to Lt Colonel 11/24/1862.

Lt. Col. Freudenberg took command of the 52nd NY at the Battle of Gettysburg after the death of General Zook at the Wheat Field on July 2nd. Zook's brigade, under Freudenberg, confronted the 7th South Carolina under Joseph Kershaw. Freudenberg was severely wounded later in the day and was removed from the field.

On 12/11/1863 he was commissioned into Field & Staff Veteran Reserve Corps 23rd, brevetted to Colonel at the wars close. He continued his service in the US Army until 12/15/1870. He died 8/28/1885 in Washington, DC. and is buried: in Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, OH.

 

The 52nd at Gettysburg

On July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell's division, including Zook's brigade, was sent to reinforce the crumbling III Corps line that was being assaulted by the Confederate corps of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet. Zook advanced to the Wheatfield to reinforce the brigade of Col. de Trobriand and to fill a gap near the Stony Hill. Zook, on horseback, led his men up the hill, and drew fire from the advancing 3rd and 7th South Carolina Infantry regiments of Kershaw's brigade. He was struck by rifle fire and died from his wounds on July 3rd. Upon his wounding, Lt. Col. Freudenberg took command only to be severely wounded shortly after and removed from the battlefield.

 

[skypilot6670]

Great Medal and history. Are all MOLLUS medals gold ? I really enjoy Gettysburg pieces ant this is an excellent one.  Thanks for posting Andrew.  Mike

[wartimecollectables.com]

Thanks, and yes. Most are made by BB&B and 14k even if unmarked. I don't know how much gold is in a MOLLUS but it's not much. The badges are hollow with an enamel surface. Out of curiosity I weighed this one and the full weight is 10 grams. Remove the drape and enamel and likely only 3-5 grams of gold content.

[kanemono]

Wonderful group, thank you for sharing!

 

[USCapturephotos]

I enjoyed reading about this group and the 52nd NY Vols. 
Paul

[katieony]

Another nice addition to your collection!

[M24 Chaffee]

Very nice badge and photo card!

 

Frank