Continuing our tradition of sharing stories about Irish-American Veterans on St. Patrick’s Day, this year we will take a look at the 69th Infantry Regiment.

The 69th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Fighting 69th” or the “Fighting Irish,” boasts a rich history steeped in Irish-American heritage and battlefield courage. Formed in 1849 by Irish immigrants in New York City, the regiment initially served in the state militia before being mustered into federal service during the Civil War.

Irish Americans played a pivotal role in the regiment’s character, including notable Irish-Americans Michael Corcoran, Michael Doheny, and Thomas Francis Meagher. Facing discrimination and social prejudice, they found camaraderie and purpose in the 69th. Their resilience and fighting spirit became hallmarks of the unit.

During the Civil War, the 69th distinguished itself in numerous battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, and New Market Heights. General Robert E. Lee himself is said to have commended their bravery, reportedly referring to them as the “Fighting Sixty-Ninth.” The regiment suffered heavy casualties but earned a reputation for tenacity and unwavering dedication to the Union cause.

They never faltered, they never flinched; they simply went in and did their duty as soldiers.

Major General William B. Franklin, commander of the VI Corps at the Battle of Antietam, speaking of the 69th’s charge.

Even after the Civil War, the 69th Infantry Regiment continued to serve. It was redesignated as the 165th Infantry Regiment during World War I but reverted to its original name in 1923. The regiment saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and most recently, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa as part of the New York Army National Guard.

From its armory in midtown Manhattan, the 69th was one of the first military units to respond to the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, where it helped to secure Ground Zero. Most of the Soldiers who served that day had reported in to their units voluntarily, without formal orders. Two members were killed during rescue operations on the morning of 11 September, 1st Lieutenant Gerard Baptiste (FDNY) & Specialist Thomas Jurgens (NYS Courts).

True to their heritage, while in Baghdad, the regiment was responsible for finally securing the infamous “Route Irish” (the airport road) that linked the “Green Zone” to BIAP airfield, Camp Victory, and the surrounding neighborhoods including al-Ameriyah. 19 members of the regiment were killed in action, and over 78 were wounded in action during “Operation Wolfhound”, named after the Irish Wolfhounds on its regimental crest, before it returned to New York on 15 September 2005.

Seven members of the 69th Regiment have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Not only is this a high number for a National Guard regiment, but all survived the actions for which they were awarded.

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue has always been led by the regiment and its Irish Wolfhounds. In some ceremonies, the regiment’s officers and senior non-commissioned officers carry shillelaghs as a badge of rank. Additionally, it is traditional to wear a small sprig of boxwood on one’s headgear in combat, as was first done in the Civil War.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, raise a toast of your favorite Irish whiskey to the Fighting 69th!