Re: GDG- GDG: Signal Corps and Buford / A.B. Jerome

[GerlDoc at aol.com]

Jack,

I do understand, of course, that it was not necessary in any way for Jerome 
to credit Stone (you said Wood, but I assume you meant Stone??).   However, 
having researched the O.R. pretty thoroughly with respect to the Signal Corps as 
part of the A of P, I can tell you that it is replete with reports of officers 
citing flagmen (yes, just enlisted men) by name for their help and gallantry. 
  Stone himself (along with several other flagmen) was cited by Chief Signal 
Officer B.F. Fisher for his gallant effort at Chancellorsville.
While there was no "need" for citing Stone (or any other flagman serving 
under him) it by no means would have been unusual for him to do so.

Keep in mind that the enlisted men in the Signal Corps numbered very few, by 
comparison to the infantry - and their job, by definition was often 
exceedingly dangerous.   Not to belittle the infantry enlisted man, but the S.C. fellows 
were a bit of a breed apart, and and such their contributions were more often 
recognized by the officers they served under.

Regards,
Melanie