The 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York State Militia was born out of the Famine-era flood of Irish immigrants, and their desire to serve their new country while preserving their ties to the old Like other militia units formed during the 1850’s in areas of major Irish settlement, this New York city-based regiment displayed the traditional banner of Ireland-a gold harp on a green field-alongside the state and national flags. Its sympathies with the oppressed homeland were demonstrated when its colonel, Michael Corcoran, refused to take part in an 1860 parade honoring the visiting Prince of Wales.

Such matters were overshadowed by the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. The 69th, which formed the nucleus of the Irish Brigade, fought throughout the war, taking notable parts in the battles of Bull Run, Fair Oaks, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. Its repeated assaults on the Confederate entrenchments atop Maryes Heights at Fredericksburg won tributes for dauntless gallantry from both armies. The regiments successive commanders, Michael Corcoran and Thomas F. Meagher, were like the most of their soldiers, immigrants demonstrating that they were “ true Americans.” Both would attain the rank of general, as well as a reputation for speaking their minds.

The Fighting 69th won further fame in the First World War, under Col. “Wild Bill” Donovan ( after the founder of the OSS, the CIA’s forerunner). They also took part in the Pacific campaigns of World War II, and has remained active in the National Guard.