Bronze disk, 1.25” in dia., with small lanyard loophole. Obverse lettering: “AGAINST REBELLION 1861”, encircling a union shield. Reverse outer lettering: “JOHN G. MILLER/ AUG. 1862,” encircling “Co. H/ 119^th/Reg./ PA Vol.” Disk exhibits medium bright patina with crisp lettering. Overall VG plus.

At age 31, John G. Miller mustered as a Private in Co. “H, 119^th PA Vol. Infy, 8/30/1862. He was promoted to Corporal, 3/1/1863, and then to Sergeant, 12/20/1864. He was wounded, 5/10/1864/ in the left thigh, by a minie ball that penetrated four inches below the groin, impacting his femur. After recuperation, he rejoined his regiment to be mustered out, 6/19/1865. Immediately following discharge, received four dollars monthly in disability pay, later to receive, in 1880, an invalid pension of $12 per month, later boosted to $20 per month in 1907. He died in May, 1909, at age 77.

Organized in August 1862, the 119^th PA was assigned to the 6^th Army Corps with which it performed creditably at the Battle of Fredericksburg. It was engaged at Chancellorsville, present at Gettysburg and active in the pursuit of Lee, engaging later at Rappahannock Station and in the Mine Run Campaign. The unit fought valiantly in the Wilderness and at Spotsylvania, where Sergt. Miller received his wound, and by May 12, 1864 had lost half its strength. It sustained heavy loss at Cold Harbor and was afterwards transferred to Sheridan’s Army of the Shenandoah, participating in the Battle of Opequon. Transferred back to the Petersburg sector, the 119^th was engaged at Dabney’s Hill in Feb. 1865, and took part in the final assault at Sailor’s Creek, and was present at Lee’s surrender. Mustered out 6/19/1865.

An excellent memento of a valiant soldier of the 119^th Pennsylvania. Accompanied by military and pension records from the National Archives.  [JP]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!