Kesher Talk

Hungarian Jews and the U.S. Civil War: I came across this reference site on the role of Hungarians in the American Civil War. To my surprise, one of the notable Hungarians was also a notable Jew:

A close friend of Lew Wallace, the author of Ben-Hur and other popular novels, Frederick Knefler started his Civil War career under Wallace in the 11th Indiana Infantry. When Wallace was promoted to brigadier-general in September 1861, he chose Knefler, then a captain, as his assistant adjutant-general. In May of 1862 he was promoted to major. Upon the formation of the 79th Indiana Infantry in August 1862, he was appointed the regiment's colonel. Knefler fought in several of the bloodiest engagements of the war, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Perryville, Stone's River, Chickamagua, Missionary Ridge and Nashville. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier-general, the highest rank attained in the Union army by a member of the Jewish faith.

posted by Howard @ 12/30/2002 07:14:56 AM