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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
After Action Report: Beaver Creek, Ohio
1864, July:After Action Reports
Beaver Creek, Ohio: There were several skirmishes at Beaver Creek.
The action started on Saturday morning, July 25th, 6:00am. Our outer pickets had spotted several Confederate companies in the woods just south of our campsite. The 5th OSS and several men from our own 5th OVI, combined with several men from the 61st OVI, were moved into the area to engage the enemy. The sharpshooters brought on the skirmishers with the 5th being held in reserve to assist as we approached the main body of the enemy. As the sharpshooters pulled out, we moved in to push the Confederates back and out of the woods. We were successful in pushing a small band of the enemy back but not engaging the main body. The sharpshooters were now pulled to the right flank as some movement was spotted in that direction. There they engaged a body and ended up capturing or killing all. We were told to push back through the wood and capture or kill the remaining Confederates, which we did. Victorious in our first engagement we went back to camp for breakfast and some time to replenish our cartridge boxes for the next fight.
About 1:00pm, July 25th, we once again were called to the south of our camp, only this time the entire battalion was called into action. The 5th OVI was 2nd Company. The sharpshooters were sent out as skirmishers and the main body moved in to engage the full force of the enemy. We pushed forward taking casualties but the main body fought strong. The woods were thick and it was difficult for maneuvering but the line stayed strong and straight as we pushed against the Confederate line. The fighting was hot and our volleys were excellent. In the end our troops were able to achieve victory over the Confederate forces. Lt. Col. Smith was pleased with our ability to maneuver in the woods and fortitude of the men in the ranks.
The night was tense with the Confederate pickets and our own pickets firing at each other across a pond near our camp. We could tell that the next day would only bring on more conflict.
July 26th, about 12:30pm we were once again called to form up. The Confederates had occupied the nearby village and we were called to clear them out. A pond separated us from them and our orders were to secure the bridge, cross over and engage the enemy. The sharpshooters tried to hold the bridge head but were unable. The entire battalion was moved to the bank and with fierce fighting they were able to provide enough cover for us to cross the bridge. The 5th was the 2nd company; we quickly moved across the bridge as the 1st company covered our charge. We set up a battle line and tried to push up the hill, toward the village. We took heavy casualties and managed to push up part way. The rest of our battalion moved across the bridge to help in the fight. The resistance was strong and the canon, behind the enemy lines, took it toll on our troops. What was left of our company; was decimated by a cannon shot. The rebels push our remaining troops back across the bridge and pursued them. The day's battle had not gone as well as the previous days events. Casualties were very high on our side.
July 2009
The event at Beaver Creek was a great time. The camping was wonderful, in the pine trees for the military camp, and along the creek for the family camp. The tactical was fun other than being at 6:00am. Lt. Kirkwood did a great job leading our 2 small companies and trying to position us in the most advantageous spots to engage the enemy while protection our men. Saturday's battle was good but from my perspective could not compare to the battle on Sunday. I think everyone that came had a great time both camping and at the battles. The only negative was the firewood; huge logs that were not split. Tim Klug took position as our 1st
Sgt. with Ray Slattery as our corporal; both men did a great job. Tim got his first taste of leading in the heat of battle, when I took a hit on Sunday. We had several men from the 61 OVI and the 51 OVI fall in with us. It sure is good when you have trained disciplined men in the ranks. The 5th can stand tall and proud with any other company we are ever put with. My hat is off to the members of the 5th and the 51st; it is very easy to lead men that know what to do and how to execute it quickly. When you fall in with men that don't drill you can sure tell the difference. Our friends from the 74th New York turned reb again, so they were not able to fall-in with us.
Those that were able to attend were the Slattery's, Hooverman's, Smith's, Houston's, Klug, Emerson, Miskil, Simich, and myself. I hope to see many of you at Hale in a couple of weeks.
Your Humble Servant,
Captain Andrew J. Kaminski
5th OVI, Co. H
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