Ignatz Gresser

(1835 - 1919)
Home State: Pennsylvania
Command Billet: none
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 128th Pennsylvania Infantry

Before the Antietam Campaign:
Corporal Gresser was a German immigrant who arrived in Allentown in 1851 at the age of 15. A cobbler by trade, he was recruited for nine months service in April 1861 in the Allen Infantry, one of the 5 "First Defender" companies. He returned home with them from Washington in July. He again enlisted on 13 August 1862 in the 128th Pennsylvania Infantry for 9 months service.

In the Antietam Campaign:
He served as a Corporal in Company D, 128th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 17, 1862.

His citation reads "While exposed to the fire of the enemy, carried from the field a wounded comrade."

The remainder of the War:
He was with the 128th in action at Chancellorsville and then discharged at their expiration of service on 19 May 1863.

More on the Web:
Thanks to Phil Schempf for the pointer to his gravesite - including a later photograph - and corrections to his life dates. Additional details from the Union and East End Cemetery bio page.

Birth Date: 8/15/1835 Place of Birth: Malach, GERMANY
Death Date: 8/1/1919 Burial Place: Union and West End Cemetery, Allentown, PA

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