Central Virginia Journal: November 2021

Distinguished guest and friends

This afternoon we have gathered to pay homage and respect to the men of the 12^th West Virginia Infantry Regiment who fought upon these fields. (Pause) Fittingly, I would like to talk about one of those men, 2^nd Lt. James R. Durham of Company E. During the fighting of June 13-15 1863 he was placed in charge of the skirmishers at the wall and led his men in an advance that entered the Rebel lines. In his own account of the battle he says, “turning to my boys and shouting “Goodbye” and “Come on”, I was the first over the wall and as we advanced forward about 30 yards, I was struck in the right hand. Turning I saw that six or seven of my men had been killed or wounded and that the main line of Battle had advanced to the wall and no further. I Ordered my men back taking our wounded with us. Upon regaining our own lines, I found that my right hand and forearm were severely shattered and reported to the hospital.” As a result of his wounds Lt. Durham was unable to report to his regiment for duty the next six months. His actions that day earned him the Medal of Honor.

That is only one example of the courage and dedication exemplified by the men of the 12^th West Virginia over the course of three years’ service in the war. Indeed, the record of the 12^th in the Fields around Kernstown, Winchester, and the Shenandoah Valley is filled with stories of sacrifice and bravery. This valiant unit saw continues action participating in significant battles in the latter years of the war. In 1864 they were involved at the Battle of New Market and still later were a part of Major general David Hunters Campaign in the Shenandoah Valley and the attempted capture of Lynchburg, Near the very end of the war, they were moved east to join the Army of the James participating in the siege of Petersburg where they played a major role in the breakthrough on April 2md 1865, which ultimately lead to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.

On 2 April 1865 four men of the 12^th West Virginia would earn the Congressional medal of honor in the attack on Ft Gregg for actions described in the following: when within 50 yards of the fort Sgt. Emanuel Adams, the Color Bearer, fell mortally wounded the flag was picked up by Private Joseph Logsdon and as the movement toward entering the fort continued , the gallant Logsdon undertook to plant the flag of the 12^th upon the parapet, and he was killed. The colors were then seized by Lt. Joseph Caldwell, who leapt upon the parapet and was also killed. The flag falling into the Rebel Fort the boys of the 12^th rushed to the parapet and being joined by comrades of the rest of our brigade poured volleys into the Rebels, planted our flag, and took the Rebel works

The men of the 12^th were ordinary men who made themselves extraordinary by their deeds. They somehow kept trying in the face of everything because they had a belief in each other and what they fought for. These young men were heroes in every aspect of the word, and it is only fitting that we are met here today to ensure that the memory of such men is honored, and the fidelity of such men is thought to our children and grandchildren. No grand prose or poetry exists to honor their names, like the leaves of a great tree some fell and withered in the storm of war, while others though battered and torn clung on to life only to see their legacy dim in the mist of time. So it is up to us to ensure they are not lost forever to future generations. Today let us fulfill our obligation to the men of the 12^th West Virginia and dedicate this marker to their deeds and patriotism are evident to all who come to this hallowed place.

Lest we forget, Lest we forget . . . Dear Lord never let it be so.

I Thank you for the privilege of speaking to you on this important day of remembrance.

Central Virginia Journal

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Short Comments at Dedication of 12th West Virginia Marker at Kernstown Battlefield Park 10/30/21