5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactors

Friday, June 23, 2006

Old Bedford Village the Aftermath

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Old Bedford Village, PA, June 23, 2006.

REBELS IN PENNSYLVANIA!!!
Again

Greetings Everybody,

I just wanted to send out a big thanks to everyone that came to Old Bedford Village this past weekend. I had a great time with everyone. It was hot, but luckily the ladies back in camp had cold wet cloths for the men to put on to help cool off. Also, my hats go off to the individuals that arrived early on Friday to secure that great camping spot the 5th had for the entire weekend. The camping in the shade of the trees really helped ease the heat of day. We had a great turn out for the event. The 5th had seven guys in the ranks. A couple of guys from the 4th Ohio showed up, and the 74th New York Zouaves fell in with the 5th to give us 13 rifles total forming the 83rd New Ohio (4+5+74= 83, New York + Ohio= New Ohio). I know a lot of concern about the event was the insurance issue. Well, that issue was laid to rest when General Kelly showed up, and gave the Village People (not the band) Birney’s insurance policy that covered everybody. They were not even asking at the registration tent for any proof of insurance. So, with that I hope this will ease some minds if we plan on going next year to Old Bedford. Now, back to the event itself it was great despite the heat. Many of you received Colonel Chris’s after action report, but that was not the whole story. Now, here’s the rest of the story. On Saturday’s battle when the 74th New York was sent out as skirmishers I was in command of them on the river. When the left wing was moved down to engage the Rebels, but 3rd Company did not move until it dawned on First Sergeant Andy that he was in charge of the company. After the fighting along the river we moved down to the Cavalry field were we put up one hell of a fight. We lost most of our company, but everyone was resurrected when it was time to move out to the main battlefield. We engaged the enemy, and then were ordered to flank the rebels. Well, by that time in the battle the company was down to two people First Sergeant Andy, and I think Rick Frye. Those brave boys flanked the rebel lines, and rolled up their flank pushing the rebels back. They earned a commendation right there for their brave actions. Back in camp the boys in the 83rd New Ohio spent time trying to cool down from the day’s heat & hot battle they were just in. At Sunday’s Battle the 2nd Battalion was ordered in to the woods. There was a lot of concern about poison ivy, but we had reassurances from the Colonel that there was none. Well, he was wrong! I’m sorry if any of you got the ivy known as poison from the woods be sure to thank the Colonel. Thanks Chris! After fighting the ivy we deployed into the field to meet the rebels. It was a hot fight, and towards the end everybody in 3rd company went down leaving a huge hole in the line. As the wounded lay in pain on the field the cries must have touched one rebel. As Jim Workman walked by the cries he felt compelled to help the boys in blue. Private Workman came over and gave the boys in the 83rd New Ohio water as lay in the hot Pennsylvania heat. He will be forever known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”. Well, now you know the rest of the story. This is Paul Harvey, Good day! I mean thank you all who made it to Old Bedford this past weekend. I had a great time with everyone. Take care.

Very Respectfully,
Brian S. Herchek
Commanding Co. H, 5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

Posted by B.Herchek @ 12:45 PM
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Wool Blankets

I know what you are going to say... We are going to Virginia in July. What do I need a blanket for?

It can't be hot forever!

I just landed a source for really nice brown French 100% wool blankets that are perfect for reenacting. I put some up on my Ebay Store if you would like to see it, but if anyone in the unit would like one, let me know and I will make sure to get ahold of what we need.

Cheers,
Chris

Posted by CL Smith @ 11:56 AM
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Monday, June 12, 2006

Old Bedford Village

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Old Bedford Village, PA, June 12, 2006.

Greetings Everybody,

I just wanted to remind everyone about our MAX effort event this weekend at Old Bedford Village. This looks to be a great event for us. The early buzz is that there is going to be at least two to three battalions of infantry on each side, lots of artillery, and mounted cavalry. Now, I have been to a lot of events I can only think of Zoar, and the big National Events where the Mounted Cavalry has shown up. So, that should give you a good idea that this is going to be a good event. Early forecast calls for temperatures in the low eighty’s for both days with partly cloudy skies. The weather looks like it is going to cooperate. The insurance should not be an issue since we are affiliated with Birney’s Division, but to be safe take your homeowner’s policy in case someone asks you at the registration tent. The site is literally right of the turnpike. You turn right after the toll booth and it is about a mile down the road. I will be heading out on Friday Afternoon sometime around three o’clock, so that should put me in Old Bedford by about six o’clock. I hope to get the fly from our Colonel sometime this week, but if I can not I will have the Company flag, so just look for that as to where the company street will be. The Colonel is going to have the whole Second Battalion camp in the same area. Where that is going to be I do not know, but Chris is going to let us know as soon as he gets the numbers for the Battalion. Then I will relay that info on to you. Well, I hope to see all of you this weekend. Take Care.

Very respectfully,
Brian S. Herchek, Captain, Commanding Co. H Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Posted by B.Herchek @ 11:46 AM
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5th Ohio Event Schedule