Robert E. Lee faced the most monumental crisis of his military career on the morning of April 2; 1865. By sunrise that morning; the Union 6th Corps had punched a huge hole in Lee's outer line; southwest of Petersburg. He needed time for reinforcements to arrive from Richmond; but how could his depleted army buy that time? Amidst overwhelming odds; this suicide mission fell to a handful of Confederates who made a desperate last stand at Fort Gregg. Famous historian Douglas Southall Freeman called this epic fight "one of the most dramatic incidents of an overwhelming day;" and yet it has been overshadowed by all the other historic events of April 1865. Fourteen Union soldiers received the Medal of Honor for their bravery at Fort Gregg. Many battle-scarred veterans from both sides described this clash as the nastiest of their four-year war experience. The Confederate Alamo is the first battle study ever written about this strategic fight.
#4489795 in Books Redrosebush Pr 1999-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.25 x 8.75 x 1.25l; #File Name: 0965190951492 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. The Green Wave and the NavyBy Ella DillonHistory; romance; patriotism; courage; tragedy; respect; honor; admiration; appreciation and gratitude; all of these are found in this 512 page book. The life and heroic death of Edward C. Benfold; a 21 year old Navy corpsman assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Korea is reconstructed 47 years after his death from historical records; letters; newspaper clippings; military citations and in the words of his widow and son.During the 1950's Charlton Comics; no longer in business published a comic book called "War Heroes". Included in the book is the original comic strip about Benfold's heroism.A Naval destroyer; USS BENFOLD (DDG-65) was named in Edward's honor. Petty Officer Danny K. Edgar; co-author of this book is in charge of all food preparation aboard the ship.A Memorial in his honor; constructed by high school seniors sits on the lawn of the high school from which Benfold graduated in 1949. The speaker at the dedication ceremony was the first Commander of the ship. Present at that dedication; July 4; 1994 was one of the Marines he saved on that fateful day.A friendship has evolved between the town of Audubon; New Jersey; where Edward grew up and the BENFOLD; every Commanding Officer and members of the crew have visited this small community. Residents correspond and send gifts. The ship has in return sent gifts pertaining to the ship.Craig Burgess; retired educator and poet and lifelong resident of Audubon is co-author. He has visited the ship every year on the anniversary of it's commissioning.Included in the book are letters from officers and crew of the ship expressing affection for the town and appreciation for the friendship.This is a beautiful story of heroism and patriotism; and a High School that is making the headlines in a positive way. Good kids who still have respect for those who have gone on before. It is heart warming and inspiring. This book is the most important thing I have ever been a part of. I am extremely honored to have had a hand in the birth of such a beautiful story. It cleanses the palate after reading about Littleton. It's like a breath of fresh; clean air.
