Jews and the Union Military history of Jewish Americans

union army brevet major general frederick c. salomon.

the civil war, saw appointment of first official jewish chaplain in army, rev. jacob frankel of philadelphia s congregation rodeph shalom, on september 18, 1862. while catholic chaplains had been appointed first during mexican–american war, serve needs of large influx of irish immigrant enlistments, same had not been accomplished jewish americans; make matters worse, in 1861 congress ordered military regiments appoint chaplains of christian faith. following protests board of delegates of american israelites , introductions others, meeting held in december 1861 president lincoln, led rescinding of order , appointment of first jewish chaplain. sources consider intercession perhaps first example of organized jewish lobbying in washington .

during war, approximately 7,000 jews (out of around 150,000 jews in united states) fought on union side. 2 union jewish companies raised, including company c of 82d regiment of illinois volunteers, made of recent immigrants europe, , perkins rifles of syracuse, new york. but, jews serving in war served alongside christian soldiers, many in units such company d of 8th new york national guard regiment , light infantry blues of richmond.

four generals known have been jews served union , attained higher rank in heat of key battles:

^ guide records of board of delegates of american israelites, american jewish historical society
^ o’conner, thomas h. breaking religious barrier , boston globe, boston, 10 may 2004.
^ steven bayme, understanding jewish history, 1997, p350
^ [ jewish americans dir. david grubin. pbs home video, 2008. disc 1, episode 1, chapter 5, 0:30:40]
^ cite error: named reference altschiller invoked never defined (see page).
^ florida atlantic university libraries jewish generals , admirals in america s military: brevet general leopold blumenberg: hero of civil war.
^ florida atlantic university libraries jewish generals , admirals in america s military: brevet brig. gen. frederick knefler: hero of civil war.
^ florida atlantic university libraries jewish generals , admirals in america s military: brig. gen. edward s. salomon: hero of gettysburg.
^ florida atlantic university libraries jewish generals , admirals in america s military: major general frederick salomon: hero of civil war.