“The Red-Legged Devils”, Brooklyn’s Best Regiment

The Fourteenth Regiment New York State Militia of Brooklyn, New York gathered an impressive combat record during the Civil War, yet the Professional Military Education world rarely takes notice of their deeds. They were first formed on 5 July 1847 when the New York State Legislature consolidated the individual militia companies into regiments. During the Civil War the Fourteenth Regiment fought in 29 engagements and sustained over 700 casualties. Their battles include participation in both Bull Runs, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Though noted primarily for actions in the Civil War, the Regiment also served in the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and Korea, though under different unit designations. The Fourteenth Regiment’s past can be a road to our future. An insight to their performance under fire can provide today’s students a timeless template on how to conduct combat operations.