Christian Photographers Community

WOW!! Very nostalgic entries.

Lets see some of yours Mario!

Way to go Mario!

I know I have more photos for this challenge - but I can't find them!   

Hope you find them. Keep looking!

Steve

Memorial Service for Private Chesley Alderman
Confederate Roll of Honor Recipient (Posthumously 1863)
For Heroism and Valor at the Battle of Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania
Toombs Guards Company I, 9th Georgia Infantry Regiment
Confederate Memorial Service 7 May 2005
Thomas Alderman Cemetery
Sponsored by Ogeechee Rifles Camp # 941 Statesboro, Ga.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Betty T. Vogel

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PRIVATE CHESLEY ALDERMAN                 From the Ceremony Program
Born – April 12, 1840 – Died – July 17, 1863
"Toombs' Guards," Co. I, 9th Georgia Infantry Regiment Confederate States of America

Chesley Alderman was the eldest son of Thomas Alderman and his wife, Polly Ann Parrish.  He was born on his family's plantation in Bulloch County, Georgia and enlisted early in War in a local company to help defend his Southern homeland.   The company, called, "Toombs' Guards," became known as Co. I of the 9th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

The unit saw actions all around the south and saw service in the Army of the Shenandoah, Army of Tennessee, Army of East Tennessee, and the Army of Northern Virginia.  They were in some 45 different engagements.
         
He was an ordinary Private soldier.   It was July 1-3, 1863, at the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where Chesley distinguished himself.  This battle is said to be the most costly in American lives in the history of our county.   The fighting was horrific!
         
Chesley was wounded in the finger on the first day of the battle.  This would have rendered him unable to load and fire his weapon.   Records show that he took on the duty of driving an ambulance wagon.  No doubt, he volunteered for this job.  The second day of the battle was worse and was known as the Battle of the Wheatfield.  Casualties were great on both sides.  Chesley's regiment lost 56% of its men.   Chesley must have rescued and saved many lives that day.   On the third day, July 3rd, Chesley was shot in the leg and captured by the Federals.   He was taken to their Field Hospital where they amputated his leg.  He died about two weeks later.  It is not known where he is buried.
         
About three months after the battle the officers and enlisted men of his regiment submitted Chesley Alderman's name to be placed on the Confederate Roll of Honor.   This was the highest honor given to a Confederate Soldier by the government and was rarely awarded.  It would seem that his award was not for being a fierce fighter but for his life saving services to his fellows.  This is the equivalent to a USA Congressional Medal of Honor.   No other soldiers from this area of Georgia are known to have received this rare honor.
         
Because of his death and because a medal was never awarded due to lack of funds in the Confederate Government, we believe that the family might not have learned of this great honor.
         
Today we honor him in his family cemetery at a marker that was placed there to him years ago.  The monument includes the word, "CENOTAPH," meaning that he is not buried here.

MaxA Is Max Alderman, His great grand daddy's brother, named Chesley, is this man listed here...who was awarded posthumously the Roll of honor, which is the highest award offered in the war to a confederate soldier...His great great uncle died at Gettysburg, and a number of years ago, He had the honor of being in a service as described above...He hopes that you will enjoy a little Southern History...