For His Adopted Country.
F. D. McGillicuddy, Mansfield, Pa, sends the following to the National Tribune: “Here is the record of a young Englishman, who served his adopted country, that is worthy of being perpetuated in history. Sergeant Philip Petty1, of Jackson Summit, Pa., enlisted Aug. 1, 1861, at Harrisburg, when but 20 years old, in Company C, 12th Pa. Reserve Corps, or Troy Guard, and served until March, 1862, when he was discharged for physical disability, the result of a siege if typhoid fever. He re-enlisted, Aug. 8, 1862, in Company A, 136th Pa. At the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862, several color-bearers of the 136th were shot, and the flag of the regiment was in danger of capture. Comrade Petty seized the falling flag, carried it to the front, and, planting It there, fired thirty-two rounds. In recognition of this brave act, the congress of the United States awarded him a medal-of-honor.”2
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
- Originally born in Tingswich, England in 1840, Petty was a native of Jackson Summit, Tioga County, Pennsylvania when the war began. He enlisted in the 12th Pennsylvania Reserves in 1861, but was discharged on medial grounds. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on August 21, 1893, for his role in rescuing his regiments colors, the 136th Pennsylvania Volunteers, at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862.
- The National Tribune, November 8, 1894, pg. 3
