Recruiting for the Union Army in New York City

Artillery Ceremony History New York VCA
VCA Flag Raising
VCA Flag Raising

On 11 April, the 9th Field Artillery (NY) was invited by the National Park Service to participate in a commemoration of recruiting activities in New York City during the Civil War. In addition to the firing of its howitzers, a flag raising ceremony was held at Battery Park.

During the Civil War, extensive efforts to recruit soldiers for the Union army took place in New York City. In Battery Park, just outside Castle Garden, a recruiting office was established specifically to recruit newly-arriving immigrants. They were offered a monthly wage, food and clothing, and a pleasant outdoor life with plenty of exercise.

After the draft law went into effect in July, 1863 recruiters began to offer substantial bonuses for enlistment in particular regiments of the recruit’s choice in order to escape conscription. Choices offered included ethnic infantry regiments including Irish, German, Italian and African American units. Also available were artillery and cavalry specialties as well as unique units such as the Zouaves. By such means, New York supplied more troops for the Union army during the war than any other state.

New York 9th Field Artillery Regiment celebrates its 224th Mess Dinner

Artillery Ceremony History New York VCA

15619684284_eca6fe1b02_o - Copy

On 8 January 2015, the VCA celebrated its 224th Annual Mess Dinner and commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. The mess dinner took place in the Community Club at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. The Battle of New Orleans was the final major battle of the War of 1812. Members of the VCA attended in full VCA mess dress uniform for one of the final gatherings commemorating the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812. The guest speaker this year was COL Joseph D. Davidson, Garrison Commander USAG Fort Hamilton.

20th anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu

History Military News

Battle of Mogadishu October 3rd – 4th, 1993

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu. The battle was memorialized by the book and movie “BlackHawk Down”. On 3 and 4 October 1993, members of the U.S. Army 75th Rangers, 160th SOAR, Delta, 10th Mountain, Navy SEAL’s and USAF PJ’s and CCT’s participated in a mission to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. During the mission 2 BlackHawk helicopters were downed by RPG fire. The ensuing battle lasted 2 days, and caused the life of 18 American servicemen, plus NATO troops. The enemy dead count is believed to be 1500-2000. Civilians were also killed as they were used as shields by the enemy. In some cases it was reported that women and children also fired upon the U.S. Forces.

The following table is from the Wiki article, “Battle of Mogadishu”

Name Age Action Medal
1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta

 

MSGT Gary Gordon 33 Killed defending the crew of Super Six-Four Medal of Honor, Purple Heart[29]
SFC Randy Shughart 35 Killed defending the crew of Super Six-Four Medal of Honor, Purple Heart[29]
SSGT Daniel Busch 25 Crashed on Super Six-One, mortally wounded defending the downed crew Silver Star, Purple Heart[56]
SFC Earl Fillmore 28 Killed moving to the first crash site Silver Star, Purple Heart[57]
MSG Timothy “Griz” Martin 38 Mortally wounded on the Lost Convoy Silver Star, Purple Heart.[58][59]
3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

 

CPL Jamie Smith 21 Mortally wounded with the pinned-down force around crash site one Silver Star with Valor Device and Oak leaf cluster,
Purple Heart[60]
SPC James Cavaco 26 Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart[61]
SGT Casey Joyce 24 Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart[61]
PFC Richard “Alphabet” Kowalewski 20 Mortally wounded on the Lost Convoy, died later that day Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart[62]
SGT Dominick Pilla 21 Killed on Struecker’s convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart[62]
SGT Lorenzo Ruiz 27 Mortally wounded on the Lost Convoy, died en route to a hospital in Germany Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart[62]
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

 

SSG William Cleveland 34 Crew chief on Super Six-Four, killed Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart[63]
SSG Thomas Field 25 Crew chief on Super Six-Four, killed Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart
CW4 Raymond Frank 45 Copilot of Super Six-Four, killed Silver Star,
Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart[64]
CW3 Clifton “Elvis” Wolcott 36 Pilot of Super Six-One, died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross,
Bronze Star,
Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart[63]
CW2 Donovan “Bull” Briley 33 Copilot of Super Six-One, died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross,
Bronze Star,
Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart[65]
2nd Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division

 

SGT Cornell Houston 31 Killed on the rescue convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device,
de Fleury Medal, Purple Heart[66]
PFC James Martin Jr. 23 Killed on the rescue convoy Purple Heart[67]

Historical perspective on Fort Gadsden, Apalachicola National Forest

History New York VCA

Historic Fort Gadsden, on the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida, was the site of a horrific battle and explosion during the War of 1812 with England. The fort was built on a strategic portion of the Apalachicola River to control river and trade traffic. In the face of an imminent attack by American forces, escaped and freed slaves and many local American Indians sought refuge and safety at the fort. As the VCA fought in the War of 1812, we thought we would share a little piece of history brought to you by the USDA Forest Service.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJl45IXOOZg&feature=player_profilepage]

Nathan Hale Day

American Revolution Artillery History Military News New York Patriots VCA Veteran
Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale Statue

On 22 September, 1776 British troops under the command of General William Howe (British Commander in North America) hung Nathan Hale a day after he was caught spying for the Continental Army. Every year a small ceremony is held to remember the man who reportedly said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”. The ceremony takes place at City Hall Park, the location where he lost his life 235 years ago. Attending the ceremony were city officials, including Mayor Bloomberg.

Mayor and Color Guard
Mayor Bloomberg and VCA Color Guard - Nathan Hale Day 2011

Former Chairman Myers Recalls 9/11 Pentagon Attack

History Military News New York

Air Force General Richard B. Myers was preparing for his Senate confirmation hearing, and Afghanistan was no where on his mind. Then everything changed as American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked by al-Queda terrorists. At 9:37 EDT, Flight 77 hit the Western side of the Pentagon. General Myers recalls the events. Read the story on this link:  Former Chairman Myers Recalls 9/11 Pentagon Attack.

Obama Vows Solid Support for Veterans

History Military News Veteran

Commander-in-Chief vows that United States fiscal challenges will not be solved at the cost of our service members and veterans.

“I want to be absolutely clear,” he told the assembly. “We cannot, and we must not, and we will not balance the budget on the backs of our veterans. As commander in chief, I won’t allow it.”

Read the story at the DoD web site:

Obama Vows Solid Support for Veterans.

Preparing the Firing Battery

American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos New York VCA

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTr9Ztxypj8]

Getting ready for the big July 4th event takes coordination, patience and lots of caution.  Our thanks once again to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery for always been willing to provide a hand, and  helping us with the movements of the howitzers. Here is a short video from early morning until the firing.  Check out the Cubs Scouts at the end of the line 🙂