Honoring those family members and ancestors who served or are serving in the military. It's a long and proud legacy for our family. We salute you all and thank you for your service!!
Revolutionary War
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| A 5th great uncle of the Groton CT Grays. 1740 - 1813. Buried in Groton. Worth noting as well: Elijah Gray, an uncle to Benjamin also served in the Revolutionary War, was wounded/captured and died in prison in N.J. |
The Civil War
I found it interesting that within my own family branch, there are ancestors that fought for the north and the south during the war between the states. Further research showed that their regiments may have crossed paths in Manassas, VA at the second battle of Bull Run. Here are their stories:
Peter Devlin
170th NY Regiment, also known as the Irish Regiment
Peter would have been a 3rd great uncle (by marriage) to my husband Mike. Peter and his wife, Catherine emigrated to America in the 1850's from Antrim Ireland. After the war, Peter returned to NY and they had one daughter, Mary, who married Mike's ggreat Uncle Edward McAuliffe.
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| This is Peter Devlin's discharge paper. Pretty cool, eh? His regiment was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered and the war ended. Peter would return to NY from here. |
Daniel C. Paulk
49th Regiment, Georgia Infantry
Daniel C Paulk was my 3rd great grandfather on my grandma Ruby's side. His is a sad story. He was a farmer in rural south Georgia with a wife Jane, a young daughter Catherine, and a baby on the way. He signed up in August of 1862. His regiment would make its way to Winchester, VA. The weather was very cold and the soldiers were ill-equipped for the conditions. Many died of measles or some other malady. Daniel was one of those. He died on November 2, 1862. He is buried in the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery in Winchester, VA. Unfortunately, because of poor record keeping, his headstone is mis-marked as are many from his regiment.
Jane would give birth to a son, Daniel, in April of 1863. Sadly, he did not survive.
To read the history of this regiment, I highly recommend the book:
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| Gravesite of Daniel C Paulk at the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery, Winchester VA. Note that headstone name is incorrect. |
George R. Asbell
48th Regiment, Co. G, Georgia Infantry
"The Slappy Guards"
George Asbell is my great grandmother, Mamie Giddens' father. His brothers, Andrew, John, and Stephen also served in this regiment. This regiment saw 22 battles, including Gettysburg, where 55% of the men were killed or injured.
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| Headstone of George Asbell in Twiggs Co. GA |
WWI
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| Fred Oliver Gray, son of gg grandparents BB and Ellen Gray, U.S. Navy. Buried at Fort Bliss Cemetery, TX. |
The Greatest Generation
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| Paul Rouse, U.S. Navy, brother of my paternal grandmother |
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| My father-in-law PFC Edward McAuliffe Army AirCorps WWII |
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| Mst. Sgt James McAuliffe US Marines, WWII and Korea. Uncle Jim is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC |
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| Sgt. William (Billie) Gibbs Served in Army and Marines WWII (uncle) |
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| Carl Gibbs (uncle) |
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| My Dad: Airman First Class Lowell Giddens, USAF |
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| Earl McMillan, U.S. Navy (uncle) |
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| Glenn Giddens, U.S. Marines. (uncle) Apologies for poor condition of photo, but it was found in my grandfather's wallet after many years. |
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| James A.Black, LTC US Army Retired. Photo is Vietnam 1971. (cousin) |
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| Wayne Carter, Vietnam (cousin) |
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| Cmdr Jan Smith (L brother-in-law), US Navy |
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| My brother, Sgt. Tom Giddens, US Air Force |
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| My hubby, Petty Officer Michael McAuliffe, US Navy |
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| Monty Ward US Navy (cousin) |
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| Lt.Cmdr. Stephen Smith, US Navy currently serving in California (nephew) |
Honorable Mention: Gordon McAuliffe, US Navy; Jimmy Walker Army (military photos unavailable)
NOTE: This blog entry can be edited at any time. If you have a family member who has or is serving in the military and would like them included, please do not hesitate to contact me. Any information or details that need to be corrected or added will be welcome as well.
Sincere Thanks to All Who Served.
We are Forever Grateful for Your Service.
We are Forever Grateful for Your Service.
