Gettysburg hero Corporal John M. Sutton, Company K, 5th New Jersey Infantry. A group of items highlighted by III Army Corps presentation "For Valor" badge, including:
3-piece silver engraved corps badge, 1 1/4 x 3 1/2 in., featuring a III Corps lozenge with pierced center and a silver number "5" suspended by chains from scroll form top bar stamped "For Valor" with t-bar pin attached to verso. The front of the lozenge is stamped “Hookers Old Division” and “N.J. Vols.” Verso inscribed, “Presented by Reg’l Council of Administrator to Corp’l John M. Sutton Co. K.” Most likely awarded to Sutton for his bravery at the battle of Gettysburg, where, according to the 1888 publication “New Jersey Troops in the Gettysburg Campaign,” he ran through enemy fire to save the regimental colors from the advancing Confederates. Sutton is believed to have refused a recommendation for the Medal of Honor for this action. Sutton’s badge is one of a few known examples of the “For Valor” badge awarded to 5th New Jersey soldiers.
[With:] 2-piece bronze New Jersey veterans medal numbered to Sutton, 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
[With:] Sutton's GAR membership badge, 2 x 3 1/4 in., with attached ¾ by 7/8 inch enameled red, white and blue Headquarters III Corps Badge.
[With:] Stamped brass numeral “5” from Sutton’s forage cap.
[With:] Coat size “I” Infantry button marked “D. Evans Attleboro, Mass.”
[With:] Handwritten military history of Corporal John M. Sutton, Company H, 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.
[With:] The Soldier's Hymn-Book For Camp Worship. M.E. Church, South: Soldier's Tract Association, 1863. Charles H. Wynne, printer.
[Also with:] Tagged piece of clay from the mine explosion before Petersburg, July 1864. -- 69-caliber minie ball. --Conical pistol bullet. -- Remnant of 2 ½ by 3 ¾ inch pigskin pouch.
The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca
