William Henry Plunkett – Major (Brevet Lieutenant Colonel), United States Army

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William Henry Plunkett, born in 1826 in Ireland and died in 1912. Letitia G. Plunkett, born in 1843 in British South Africa and died in 1928.

Regimental History
Seventeenth Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)

Seventeenth Infantry – Colonels John L. Doran, Adam G. Malloy Lieutenant Colonels, Adam G. Malloy Thomas McMahon, Donald D. Scott; Majors., Thomas McMahon, William H. Plunkett, Donald D. Scott, Patrick H. McCauley.

This regiment, known as the “Irish Regiment,” was organized at Camp Randall in the early part of 1862. It was ordered to St. Louis a few days after organization and on April 10 was sent to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., where it remained in camp until called upon to take part in the siege of Corinth.

After the evacuation of that place by the enemy the regiment was stationed there for the summer and in October it participated in the second battle of Corinth. Its loss in this action was 41 in killed, wounded and missing. General McArthur the brigade commander, complimented the regiment, saying, “Boys of the 17th, you have made the most glorious charge of the campaign.” An entire brigade was routed by this one Irish regiment.

It took part in the battle of Port Gibson and the next day pursued the enemy toward Vicksburg. It was in the battles of Champion’s Hill and the Big Black River, and in the siege of Vicksburg its gallant services received special mention.

On June 8, 1864, the regiment arrived at Acworth, Georgia, where it joined the army under General Sherman, and was engaged in heavy skirmishing until the 19th. It participated in the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, sustaining a heavy fire from the enemy’s artillery for more than 3 hours, with a loss of 2 killed and 11 wounded.

It took art in the battles about Atlanta in July, and later was in action at Jonesboro and Lovejoy’s Station. It was with Sherman in his march from Atlanta to the sea and performed gallant service at Savannah, Columbia and Bentonville.
After Johnston’s surrender the regiment participated in the grand review at Washington. It was mustered out July 14 and soon after disbanded in Wisconsin.

Its original strength was 941. It gained by recruits during its service 385; substitutes, 136; draft, 215; veteran reenlistments, 287; total, 1,964. Loss by death, 221; missing, 5; desertion, 157; transfer, 32; discharge, 448; mustered out, 1,101.

War Department,
Washington, July 23rd, 1866

Sir: I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following-named officers for appointment by brevet in the Volunteer force:

To be lieutenant colonels by brevet.

Major William H. Plunkett, of the Seventeenth Wisconsin Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious services during the war, to date from March 13, 1865.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
EDWIN STANTON,
Secretary of War.

To the Senate of the United States:

I nominate the officers named in the accompanying communication for appointment by brevet in the Volunteer force, as proposed by the Secretary of War.

ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, July 23rd, 1866.

Washington Post, Thursday, January 11, 1912
MAJOR W. H. PLUNKETT DEAD
Aged Treasury Employee Passes Away After Three Months’ Illness

Major William H. Plunkett, 86 years of age, for 50 years employed in the Treasury Department, died last night at 11:30 at his room in the Wilson Apartment house. He had been ill three months.

Major Plunkett was a member of the Loyal Legion and the Army and Navy Club. His son, Commander Charles P. Plunkett, U.S.N., was with him at the time of his death. Major Plunkett was born in Ireland March 26, 1826. He married a sister of Representative Charles H. Burke, of South Dakota, who, with his son, survive him. Burial will be at Arlington.

PLUNKETT, WILLIAM H

  • MAJOR 17 WIS INF BVT LT COL US VOLS
  • DATE OF DEATH: 01/10/1912
  • BURIED AT: SECTION ED SS  SITE 1061
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

PLUNKETT, LETITIA G W/O WM H

  • DATE OF DEATH: 04/26/1928
  • BURIED AT: SECTION E-N  SITE 1081
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
  • WIFE OF WH PLUNKETT, MAJ 17 WIS INF BVT LT COL US VOLS

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