William Doniphan, sporting the Hungover Christopher Walken look.
For Memorial Day Weekend here’s a look at a needlessly neglected U.S. military unit.
DONIPHAN’S THOUSAND
Conflict: Mexican War
Comment: This unit of the American Army was named for its leader, Alexander William Doniphan, who had served in his native Missouri’s Mormon War of 1838. Though Doniphan led troops against the Mormon forces he was instrumental in sparing the life of the Mormon leader Joseph Smith, whom his men had captured.
In the Mexican War Doniphan led his eponymous “Thousand” in the longest geographical campaign since the days of Alexander the Great. Doniphan’s Thousand was with General Kearney when he took Santa Fe and in December they defeated Mexican forces at El Brazitos on Christmas Day. Continue reading
Randolph C Berkeley earned the Congressional Medal Of Honor as a Marine Corps Major during action in Vera Cruz, Mexico on April 21st and 22nd, 1914. Berkeley’s daring leadership of his battalion from the initial assault and then through street to street fighting on both days earned him the decoration. 
With Memorial Day fast approaching Balladeer’s Blog will once again examine neglected conflicts, military units and recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. 
The singer and musician Prince is dead. Since I like to be different I figured I would post a pic of his work titled Dirty Mind instead of the bigger hits that everyone else is featuring. 
HAPPY NEW YEAR! As a light-hearted start here’s a look at events that happened on New Year’s Day in the past. 
