New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth: A Regimental History of Service in the Civil War's Irish Brigade and the Great War's Rainbow Division [Hardcover]

John Mahon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2004 | ISBN-10: 0786416300 | ISBN-13: 978-0786416301

Formed in 1851 by Irish immigrants, the Fighting Sixty-Ninth has served with distinction since the Civil War. The regiment’s flagstaff boasts 23 streamers (for each campaign) and 62 silver battle rings (for each battle), more than any other regiment in the United States Army at the close of World War II. Initially known as 69th New York State Militia (and seeing action under that name at the Battle of Bull Run), the regiment later "cadred" the 69th New York Volunteers. This is a complete illustrated history of the regiment's service in the Irish Brigade and the Rainbow Division.

Functioning as the 1st Regiment, Irish Brigade, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac throughout the Civil War, the regiment made history at Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Appomatox. Confederate generals Lee christened them the "Fighting Sixty-Ninth". According to legend, an exasperated General Jackson (who rarely cursed) recognized them as part of "that damn brigade".

Functioning as the 165th Infantry, 42nd Division (Rainbow Division) throughout World War I, the regiment helped turn back the last German offensive, counterattacked at the Ourq river, spearheaded one of Pershing’s pincer at St. Mihiel, and helped break the Hindenburg Line in the Argonne Forest. Today, the regiment is known as 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry (Mechanized), New York Army National Guard.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"well-crafted writing style...Mahon vividly details the campaigns and camp life...thoughtful...highly recommended...straightforward approach" --The Civil War News

"well-written" --The Civil War Courier

"exceptional...invaluable...compelling" --Colorado Libraries --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

John Mahon, a retired veteran, lives in Florida.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786416300
• ISBN-13: 978-0786416301
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,636,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harps & Hellfire, October 11, 2004

By 

John H. Mahon (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth: A Regimental History of Service in the Civil War's Irish Brigade and the Great War's Rainbow Division (Hardcover)

4,000 casualties in the Civil War, from a unit whose total strength never exceeded 3,600. This telling statistic implies the audacity and verve of this historic fighting unit, the first and true Fightin' Irish. Mahon's book reviews and details the storied history of the Fighting Sixty-Ninth in a lively and readable manner. There are many clear and illustrative maps to explain the deployments of field units, and the pace of the narrative resembles a well told story more than a dry history text.

The publisher has cooperated by producing a well bound text with clearly reproduced photographs and comfortable, heavy-weight paper. The hard cover edition will be at home on any bookshelf, and deserves a place in the library of every Irish-American history buff, every Civil War aficionado, and every Great War expert.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent history of the "fighting sixty-ninth", April 27, 2004

By 

J. Bennett (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth: A Regimental History of Service in the Civil War's Irish Brigade and the Great War's Rainbow Division (Hardcover)

For students of American military history and the contributions of Irish-Americans and others to our nation's history, this book is an outstanding and well-researched tome. Everything from famous battles that the 69th was involved in to the colorful characters that have been in its ranks are all covered here. Highly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, great read, May 20, 2007

By 

Michael J. Mcdermott - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth: A Regimental History of Service in the Civil War's Irish Brigade and the Great War's Rainbow Division (Hardcover)

A truly supurb history of New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth. Read this book to get all the facts about this illustrious fighting organization.

It not only details the history of the 69th, but tells the story with compassion and understanding.