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Re: Sgt. Joseph H. DeCastro
In Response To: Sgt. Joseph H. DeCastro ()

On a side note...

The reported capture is one of those things that got seriously lost in the fog. Initially reported to have been the flag of the 14th Va. However any such flag so identified was never been accounted for, logged by the WD nor returned. Evidence exists that suggests the 14th Va actually made it out of there with their flag, which was later lost at Five Forks (WD-274). Later accounts shift Decastro citation as it was the flag of the 19th Va instead.

However the flag of the 19th Va captured at G'burg (WD-71) was given credit to Benjamin Falls also of the 19th Mass, who also received an MOH. MOC still lists the flag of the 19th Va to Ben Falls capture credit. Again some later citation versions shift to just state "Captured a flag". The flag reportedly identified to the 19th Va (3rd bunting - Pickett Style) has its issues since the regimental number on it was torn out

Lots of errors found in those inital capture reports. If memory serves correctly I recall finding about three different units initially claimed to have captured the flag of the 4th Va... Even in areas of the battlefield the 4th Va was never near. Sorted out and finally corrected much later. A bit muddy to figure out many times...
Just an observation
Frederick

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Sgt. Joseph H. DeCastro
Re: Sgt. Joseph H. DeCastro
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Re: Sgt. Joseph H. DeCastro