  |
Robert A. Gray was 27 year old Stone Mason from
Groton, Connecticut when he enlisted into Co. C,
21st Connecticut Infantry on August 8, 1862 as a
Private. He was promoted twice again by the end
of 1862, first to Corporal on September 1 and
again on December 21 to the rank of Sergeant at
which he remained until his discharge on May 9th,
1865.
At the time this photograph was taken
Robert was stationed in Portsmouth, VA. just
across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk.
Backmark: B.F Evans & Son
14 Main Street
Norfolk, Va.
Evans is what I call an Occupational Photographer.
That is he followed the Union troop and set up
shop where ever they set up camp. |
RESCUING
HIS LIEUTENANT
DURING the hotly
contested battle of Drewry's Bluff, VA. 05/16/64,
when the Union troops were compelled to fall
back, a small squad of Federal soldiers-fifteen
in all-were left on the field. They were members
of Company C, of the Twenty-first
Connecticut Infantry, under command of
Lieutenant Dutton, who, having no orders to fall
back, had no choice but to brave the situation.
Rapidly, however, their position became more and
more untenable ; the enemy was fast closing in on
the little band ; already several of them had
fallen under the increasing murderous fire from
the Confederates. Lieutenant Dutton finally was
forced to order a retreat, but had no sooner
uttered the words, than, struck by a bullet, he
sank to the ground. Sergeant Robert A. Gray was
five rods away from him when he noticed the
Lieutenant's absence, and, looking back, saw that
the officer was disabled and sure to fall into
the hands of the enemy, who were no more than
twenty rods away from him. With a few leaps he
was by his side and found him shot through the
leg. He helped him up and managed to retreat with
him. The brave sergeant assisted the wounded
lieutenant to a place of comparative safety
and then hurried back to his regiment.
Sources:
National Archives
Medal of Honor Citation Supplements
by Rudolf J.
Friederich
American Civil
War Research Database
Craig's
Daguerreian Registry
|
|
Return to Main
Page.