Paul Jerram
06-02-2008, 08:16 PM
Men of Company I,
It is with fond memories and a grateful heart that I write to you concerning your recent actions in and around Owens Mill during the engagement at New Hope Church in Georgia. Your sterling performance under difficult conditions set an example for the Battalion and I shall always be personally very grateful for each and every one of you.
Captain Acker has on several occasions given me his compliments and asked me to convey them to you, which I now gladly do.
From the onset, our two platoons came together in an admirable fashion with each of you selflessly watching out for one another while executing and performing your many duties - not only diligently, but while maintaining good humor!
In my many years of service, I struggle to recall a company of men with whom I have served, who have so quickly adapted to the task at hand and have done everything they have been asked to do, so quickly, completely, and willingly. Bully job Company I!
My hats are off to our 4 gallant Corporals, who quietly and efficiently did everything that was expected and asked of them, diligently and cheerfully, during the campaign:
Elias Rushon (Kevin Whitehead)
John Sage (John Jackson)
John Abbott (Evan Zimmerman)
Horace Heath (Eric Tipton)
You did yourselves and Ohio (and Georgia!) proud boys!
Last but certainly not least, how can I put into words the actions and service performed by Sgt William Gustine (Joe Liechty), Orderly Sgt. Martin Owen (Chris Henderson), and 1 Lt. Stephen Kissinger (Andrew Jerram)? Kissinger filled in where I could not, often without asking ... I have every confidence that one day he will make a fine senior officer who will lead from the front. Gustine and Owen - words fail me (for once ... thank God, I hear you say!). Your dedication and devotion to each of the men in our company; selfless, whole hearted and sincere, while always taking care of all the minutiae that goes into running a company - such service is hard to put into words. I could not possibly have done it without you and you made my job so much easier. You put "us" before yourselves, and no greater compliment can be paid a man.
Gentlemen - again, I thank you. I hope that I will be granted the opportunity, privilege and pleasure to serve with you all again. Until then, I remain your most humble and obedient servant.
You are forever in the heart, memories and affections of this officer.
Yours,
Paul Jerram
late, Capt. Russell B. Smith, cmd'g, Company I, 29th Ohio
It is with fond memories and a grateful heart that I write to you concerning your recent actions in and around Owens Mill during the engagement at New Hope Church in Georgia. Your sterling performance under difficult conditions set an example for the Battalion and I shall always be personally very grateful for each and every one of you.
Captain Acker has on several occasions given me his compliments and asked me to convey them to you, which I now gladly do.
From the onset, our two platoons came together in an admirable fashion with each of you selflessly watching out for one another while executing and performing your many duties - not only diligently, but while maintaining good humor!
In my many years of service, I struggle to recall a company of men with whom I have served, who have so quickly adapted to the task at hand and have done everything they have been asked to do, so quickly, completely, and willingly. Bully job Company I!
My hats are off to our 4 gallant Corporals, who quietly and efficiently did everything that was expected and asked of them, diligently and cheerfully, during the campaign:
Elias Rushon (Kevin Whitehead)
John Sage (John Jackson)
John Abbott (Evan Zimmerman)
Horace Heath (Eric Tipton)
You did yourselves and Ohio (and Georgia!) proud boys!
Last but certainly not least, how can I put into words the actions and service performed by Sgt William Gustine (Joe Liechty), Orderly Sgt. Martin Owen (Chris Henderson), and 1 Lt. Stephen Kissinger (Andrew Jerram)? Kissinger filled in where I could not, often without asking ... I have every confidence that one day he will make a fine senior officer who will lead from the front. Gustine and Owen - words fail me (for once ... thank God, I hear you say!). Your dedication and devotion to each of the men in our company; selfless, whole hearted and sincere, while always taking care of all the minutiae that goes into running a company - such service is hard to put into words. I could not possibly have done it without you and you made my job so much easier. You put "us" before yourselves, and no greater compliment can be paid a man.
Gentlemen - again, I thank you. I hope that I will be granted the opportunity, privilege and pleasure to serve with you all again. Until then, I remain your most humble and obedient servant.
You are forever in the heart, memories and affections of this officer.
Yours,
Paul Jerram
late, Capt. Russell B. Smith, cmd'g, Company I, 29th Ohio