5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactors

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

Posted by B.Herchek @ 1:17 PM
0 comments

Friday, July 24, 2009

Update!!!

Greetings Everybody,

I just wanted to update the website with what has been going on this year so far with the 5th. I have taken excerpts from last month's newsletter, and I have updated the calendar on the website so everybody can see what we have coming up next. Hope to see you all in field again soon.

Take Care,
Brian

After Action Reports

There is no after action report on New Market from Captain Kaminski. He was away for some time with his family. I was told that we had several hearty men at the battle and it was a very wet time. Most pulled up stakes and headed for higher, dryer ground as they were able. Below is was submitted by Ken Hillegass.

New Market After Battle Report

The weekend started out with great promise. Our family campers staked out prime camp space for the unit, near all the amenities. We all had a nice evening around the campfire, even though Joel and I arrived somewhat late in the evening. Saturday morning brought nice weather and Battalion drill. We feel in with somewhat of a conglomerate of several units, but it actually worked well. Veteran troops sure make a difference. Saturday's battle was decent, even though we quickly got into a mess of trouble and ended up being surrounded by the enemy. The battle left us itching for a chance to get back at them the next day. Late Saturday afternoon brought the rain. As we all huddled in tents and under awnings, the rain wouldn't stop. It got so bad that we had a small creek running through camp, which eventually floated our fire pit away. The decision was made by the unit to bail on the event as our camp was heading toward being under water. The individual soldiers loaded up the vehicles and headed home, while the family campers headed for higher ground at a local boarding house. I would like to thank the following for making the trip: The Ankeny's, The Frye's, Kent Smith, Joel Eger, and myself.

Burton: There was a skirmish at Burton, Ohio and it was well attended by the members of the 5th OVI. Being that there were several small bodies of men from different companies, that were part of Birney's Brigade, Lt. Col. Smith put us together to make up several good sized companies. The 5th OVI, the 51St OVI and the 83rd PVI formed one company. We held our own with heavy casualties on May 24th and May 25th. The USV's and Birney's made up the two battalions that engaged the enemy. One cannon provided some artillery for the Union but was not as effective as we would have hoped.

Memorial Day Parade: The 5th OVI had the honor, once again, of being part of the Memorial Day Parade in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Our volleys were superb, our marching was in step and our lines were straight and tight. We do honor to the men we represent as we portray Civil War soldiers.

Our summer campaign season will kick off with Beaver Creek in July. We then have several consecutive months of events. We have a good number of members signed up for Beaver Creek, and I am sure the registrations will start rolling in for the other events. Also, if you are on Facebook we have started a 5th Ohio group for all members and fans to join. So, join today and be sure to tell a friend.

Posted by B.Herchek @ 3:13 PM
0 comments

5th Ohio Event Schedule