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Is it appropriate to call
Colonel James E. Crowther a hero? According to The American
Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition,
hero is defined as “a person noted for feats of courage or
nobility of purpose.” My two books: The Crowther Letters:
Family, Companions, and Rebels and The Crowther Letters: Chasing
Stonewall to Chancellorsville, document numerous occasions when
his actions match this definition.
Feats of courage occurred
during engagements with the Confederates when he led his
regiment from the front while some officers encouraged their men
to move forward from a position located safely behind the ranks.
Nobility of purpose is easily satisfied by his concern for the
men who served under him and the sacrifice of his life for the
preservation of the Union.
We can look upon him as an
American hero because what he did in his military career and
life was exceptional. If you could talk to Colonel Crowther,
I’m sure he would tell you that there were many heroes in his
regiment, men who were equally as diligent in the performance of
their duties. How he performed his duties distinguished him from
other officers. He was not followed out of fear; his men obeyed
his commands because of the respect they had for this officer.
James Crowther did not buy his rank nor was it given to him as a
political favor. He earned the eagles on his shoulders with
courageous leadership and a constant concern for the welfare of
the men in his command.
There is much in his story
that should be emulated in our lives which is something we look
for in an American hero. James Crowther’s personality and his
concern for other people did not change when he added military
officer to the designations he already had: community leader,
successful businessman, husband, and father. For him it was an
opportunity to perform a needed service for his country and grow
as a man by facing new and demanding challenges. He did not shy
away from duty but responded promptly to the call and encouraged
others to follow him. In that we have a true expression of the
American spirit.
He did not begin service in
the volunteer Union army as an officer who had combat
experience. Acquiring the knowledge and the skills that a
commander must use to lead a regiment on the battlefield
didn’t take long and his men followed him willingly. The
situations he faced during his military service could have
influenced him to throw caution to the wind and seek personal
fame by engaging in reckless actions that would cost the lives
of many men needlessly. While some officers sought glory and
recognition in actions designed to enhance their image, Colonel
Crowther placed concern for his men before concern for his
career. This is another trait we look for in a person who is
proclaimed a hero. He tolerated the pain of illness to be with
the men who placed such a high degree of confidence in his
leadership. Leaving them when, in his view, duty demanded his
presence was not an option he would consider.
His was a life that is a
beacon glowing brightly in today’s world of greed,
self-promotion, and a growing lack of concern for the condition
of our fellow man. James calls us to a higher standard. The
American spirit that inspires courage, caring, and actions for
the common good must be as much the focus of our lives as it was
in the life of the Colonel from Tyrone, James E. Crowther.
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