Results for: Lincoln's Special Forces

Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country, traces its origins to the Civil War. One such hero was Sgt. Joseph Allen Frith, a 23-year-old farmer who joined Lincoln’s special forces. During a fierce firefight in 1864, Frith was fatally shot in the back by a fellow Union soldier. His grave remains unknown, but efforts are underway to find his final resting place. The tradition of honoring fallen soldiers with flowers began immediately after the Civil War and has since expanded to include all veterans.

As Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan have demonstrated, insurgencies are notoriously difficult to defeat, especially when they have local support. Countering them requires individuals with specialized skills and a keen understanding of intelligence gathering and unconventional tactics. This legacy can be traced back to a forgotten company of Ohio’s Confederate manhunters: Blazer’s Scouts. Led by Lieutenant Richard Blazer, this unlikely band of heroes emerged as some of the Civil War’s most effective counterinsurgents. Despite his unconventional appearance and demeanor, Blazer possessed a deep care for his men and an unwavering determination to protect them. He employed unconventional tactics, including gathering intelligence through friendly conversation and leading from the front, to neutralize the threat posed by Thurmond’s Rangers, a formidable band of Confederate guerrillas. Blazer’s Scouts, part of Lincoln’s special forces, played a crucial role in the development of modern U.S. special operations. Their story is a testament to the importance of unconventional warfare and the dedicated individuals who have shaped its legacy.