A Luzerne Soldier's Daring Act - The Sun Leader Wilkes Barre - 25 Dec 1886

Newspaper Clipping Photo circa 1898
of Civil War Vet Patrick McShea
in portrait painted later in life.

A LUZERNE SOLDIER'S DARING ACT

How Pat McShea of the 28th Pennsyl-

vania Volenteer's Captured a Rebel

Flag.

(Special to Sunday Leader)

Hazleon, Dec. 25, - Pat McShea of Honey Brook, was in town on Tuesday, and purchased a valuable house of John Kneis. Pat is a member of Lazarus Post G. A. R. of Audenried and during the rebellion made an excelent record as a soldier. His capture of a rebel flag at the battle of Antietam, was as daring an undertaking as the anals of the late war chronicle. His old comrades of Robinson and Lazarus Posts take unbounded pleasure in reciting Pat's notable feat which came near costing him his life. He was a member of Co. II. 28th Pennsylvania infantry and left Jeansville where he resided when the rebellion broke out. At the battle of Antietam the brigade his regiment belonged to, succeeded in defeating the rebels after a desperate contest. Among the number uninjured on the enemy's side was a retreating color bearer who sought refuge in a corn field. He was hotly pursued by Pat, overtaken and a desperate struggle began. The fight was watched with interest by the Union forces who were unable to distinguish that it was a Unionist and a Rebel who were engaged in conflict owing to the folds of the flag shielding them from view. Wm. James, of this borough, who is at present superintendent of A. Pardee & Co.'s store and an uncle of ex-Clerk of the Courts James, was an eye witness of the affray. He concluded he would test his skill as a shot and discharged the contents of his gun in the direction of what was believed to be two confederates fighting. One of the party was seen to fall to the ground, immediately following the discharge of the gun, and the other grasped the rebel flag, carried it high in the air and ran towards the Union line. A volley of musketry met him as he approached and he also received a farewell in the same manner from the rebel forces in his rear. The soldier carrying the flag was recognized as McShea and his comrades ceased firing and gave him a hearty reception for the meritorious act performed. It was a miracle he was not killed. The officer censured him for what they deemed a foolish risk of life. Pat was never promoted (for that act or awarded a congressional medal, even though recommeded for one, btw). Governor Geary, during his administration offered the gallant soldier a position at Harrisburg, but he refused it, preferring to follow the laborious and dangerous occupation of a miner. 

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