The unveiling of the Irish Brigade Memorial at Antietam this year focuses attention on one of the most colorful units of the American Civil War. Despite its distinguished record and key role in the war; no detailed history of the brigade has been written in 130 years.Made up largely of New York Irishmen; the Brigade made a decisive contribution to the Union victory at Antietam; suffered fearfully in a gallant charge at Fredericksburg; and made a famous stand in the Wheatfield on the second day at Gettysburg; as depicted in the recent film.The full co-operation of the present-day 69th New York National Guard helped make possible the compilation of this detailed account; which includes 13 period maps and 270 illustrations; many of them rare photos from private collections. The original hardcover limited edition of Bilby's book quickly sold out to re-enactors; veteran and active members of the 69th Regiment; and hard-core Civil War collectors; the Combined Publishing trade paperback is the first edition made available directly to the general public.Joseph G. Bilby is a popular columnist for the Civil War News and a veteran of the current 69th Regiment. He is also the author of Civil War Firearms.
#2512264 in Books 2002PDF # 1 #File Name: 0932572421290 pages
Review
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. I remember I/3/5By Bert KortegaardDark Horse Six is a remarkable book. Written by a fighting Battalion CO; the book gives insights into our Korean War Marines from rifleman to Regimental commander; from planners to assault troops; from grunt to MAG close air support.I was on Wantuck; APD 125; when we picked up I/3/5 at Pusan and took them into the assault at Green Beach at Inchon. The book gave me insights into many questions I have had for 57 years.One thing that always bothered me was why I/3/5 seemed to be conducting a little Boot Camp during the 5 days we had them aboard. Another was why; over the years; I've met many veterans from G/3/5 and H/3/5; but never any of the troops that I helped carry into the assault on our LCVPs. I now realize I/3/5 badly needed their basic weapons re-familiarization. They had been in the reserves; driving buses or pumping gas only two months before being thrown into an infantry company and facing and defeating NK veterans on Wolmi-do. And they continued to face and defeat them at the Han and at Seoul. And they went on to face 12 Chinese divisions at Chosen. About 76 days after we assaulted Inchon; a bare 20 of those 200 Marines we debarked were still standing.Dark Horse Six gives similar insights into the ordeal of G/3/5 and H/3/5; into the battle for survival of Division Recon Company; into the desperate seconds when Corsairs flew just overhead; pouring supporting fire and napalm on almost overwhelming enemy forces only yards away; into the crisis moments when life or death decisions were made and paid for by the lives of ordinary men.We are so fortunate that Col. Taplett managed to get Dark Horse Six printed before he died. If you care about our magnificent Marine Corps; if you care about any of our sons and brothers in any of our military services who defend our nation with their lives; you will be entranced by Dark Horse Six. If you can find a copy.Semper Fi and GO NAVY!Bert Kortegaard[...]2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. SEMPER FIBy Mike B.I WAS PART OF THE 3RD BATTALION 5TH MARINES IN 1950 LOVED MY C.O. WHO WROTE IT. I FOUGHT IN MANY OF THE BATTLES DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK! I REALIZED BY THE PRICE THAT THERE WAS NOT MANY BOOKS PUBLISHED WHICH WAS TOO BAD. I BELIEVE THIS BOOK WILL BE A COLLECTORS ITEM IN THE FUTURE. SO I PLAN ON LEAVING THIS BOOK TO MY SON GRANDSON WHO WILL ALWAYS HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY SPIRIT OF THEIR FAMILY THAT GENERATION THAT SERVED THEIR COUNTRY THE CORP. SEMPER FI TO COL. TAPLETT THE 3RD Bn 5TH MARINES0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book. A must have in the Korean war ...By CustomerGreat book. A must have in the Korean war collectors book library.It is the ultimate first hand account of the key first battles the Marines engaged the invading NKPA in and the epic fighting free of the Chinese trap that was meant to destroy the 1st Marine Division. Taplett sets the record straight on what happened
