Manassas
LH Exercise
19-20 January,
2008
After Action
Report
Of
Lt. Jacob Martz
Comd’g
1st Platoon
Arrived on site
on the evening of Friday, 18 January, and began to reconnoiter the area and scout out the location of our outpost. I was met with the very serene image of a pink twilight sky over the snow-covered Battlefield of Manassas,
with the sun setting behind Rickett’s Artillery Battery which is situated atop Henry House Hill. It was a very awe inspiring moment for me, as it is only these moments of reflection and solitude that
can bring into perspective the true meaning of what we do.
I began to set
up camp around the Henry House, and was met with the first contingent of “transfer” troops to the 1st
Platoon around 1900 hrs. It consisted of 4 members of the Columbia Rifles who,
upon their arrival immediately dispersed in search of “forage.” I
alone continued to establish camp, and was finally joined by Cpl. Brennan at around 2130
hrs. Together, after an extensive effort, we were finally able to build a fire,
which is no small task when working with drenched wood. The transfers having
returned with the fruits of their foraging expedition in the form of spirits, we prepared to turn in for the night to await
the remainder of the troops that were to arrive in the morning.
Saturday morning
saw the arrival of the balance of 1st Platoon, in all 15 men for the day, consisting of myself, Sgt. Mansfield,
Cpls. Brennan and Kibler, and 11 Privates. At 0900 the men were formed up and
Roll was taken. An inspection of arms was conducted, at which time several of
the rifles procured for this exercise were found to be extremely fouled and nearly unserviceable. In spite of this, we continued on to the Stone House about a half mile distant. The men marched very handsomely. Upon arrival at the house
a Guard was mounted, during which time the men were permitted, when not on duty, to explore the Stone House and view the graffiti
in the upstairs room. Several of the men, while on guard, exhibited extreme recalcitrance
and a severe lack of discipline. Two were reprimanded for sitting, while a third
was placed under arrest for insubordination. It should be noted here that future
acts of insubordination will not be tolerated, and will be severely punished.
The company proceeded
with the morning firing demonstration. Again, due to their horrendously unkempt
state, some rifles misfired the first time, and had to be cleared. However, after
several attempts and some instruction of the new recruits, the firing demonstration was concluded successfully. Upon returning to camp, mail and rations were distributed, much to the elation of the troops. Time was allotted for the men to prepare and eat their food, as well as read their mail. Upon the conclusion of dinner the men were once again mustered for a second firing demonstration for quite
a substantial number of civilians who, by this time, had gathered to observe. The
second demonstration went very smoothly despite the presence of several new recruits in the ranks. The volleys were exemplary, and the demonstration, as a whole, neared perfection. After a brief rest period we engaged in some light company drill which also went very well, and I believe
the new recruits benefitted much from it. In the future, company drill will be
scheduled at such a time that will permit a longer instructional session.
The men at that
point were dismissed and permitted to go about their own business or leave camp.
We awoke Sunday
to discover that the temperature had plummeted to what seemed below zero. At
1100 hrs, after leaving a detachment under the command of Sgt. Mansfield at Henry House, I led a section consisting of 7 volunteers
on the 6-mile trek through Manassas Battlefield. One soldier in particular grew
very despondent when confronted with the prospect of fording Youngs Branch, about 1 mile into the march, and almost turned
back. I managed to avoid a mutiny, however, and we soon arrived at Stone Bridge, where
we were resupplied with water. After a brief rest, we continued along the trail,
enduring the brutal climate and incessant complaints of some of the less heartier and robust Privates in the squad. It should be noted here that Pvt. Kikla, while acting as Brevet Corporal, proved himself equal to the task,
performing very efficiently and with great concern for the men. The command will,
in the future, again consider him for this position should absences of such of higher ranking Noncommissioned Officers necessitate
it.
The men were
once again allowed to rest near the Carter Family
Cemetery at Pittsylvania, about 3 miles into the march. After about 15 minutes, we formed up and proceeded along the path.
The detail was resupplied once more upon our emergence from the woods on Matthews Hill, some 4.5 miles along the trail
and another 1.5 miles from our objective, the Henry House. The men grew elated
at the sight of Henry House as we ascended the crest of Matthews Hill, and proceeded down the slope toward Stone House. We arrived at Henry House at about 1330 hrs.
The afternoon firing demonstration having been cancelled, the men were dismissed and permitted to break camp.
I would like
to extend my extreme thanks and sincerest regard to the redoubtable men comprising the Noncommissioned Officers Staff, who
performed with great alacrity and efficiency in their duties; and more than made up for my own lack of command experience. You are all very capable and proficient soldiers, and are a credit to the uniform
and your rank.
My hat off to
all members of 1st Platoon! Take pride in knowing that you are some
of the best! Thank you for making this a great event with the promise for continued
success in the future. It is my pleasure and privilege to serve with you, and
I look forward to commanding you in the field again. Huzzah!
Lt. Jacob Martz
Commanding
1st
Platoon
