Samuel H. Starr
United States Army officer
Died when: 81 years 115 days (975 months)Star Sign: Leo
Samuel Henry Starr (July 31, 1810 – November 23, 1891) was a career United States Army officer, regimental commander and prisoner of war.A collection of his letters provide a rare view of military life, the War with Mexico, Indian conflicts, the Civil War, his fall from grace, recovery and post Civil War service.
Despite his rough demeanor he was a religious man and reflective of the times he served.He was known for his discipline and blistering tongue-lashings directed at friend and foe who performed unsuitably in his eyes.
In the later part of 1862, he saber-slapped (hit with the flat edge of his saber) an inattentive camp guard and loudly declared the soldier an "SOB." Because of his "abuse of the guard," he resigned his rank of colonel, his command and subjected himself to a rigorous religious revival then an active recruiting effort.
Forgiven by the press and apparently by the Army, he rejoined the active military as a major in command of a cavalry regiment.
He commanded the Cavalry Reserve Brigade briefly, but was denied the promotion and command when another officer his junior took command.
He is noted for his July 1863 actions at the Battle of Fairfield where his small cavalry regiment took on two crack Confederate Cavalry Regiments reinforced with light artillery.
He was severely wounded in the melee and his right arm had to be amputated while he was a prisoner of war. "Old Paddy" was exchanged on parole in September of that year.
After a period of recovery he resumed his career to command the Cavalry Remount Camp in Maryland.Later he was a Special Inspector of Cavalry for the armies of the Potomac and the James where his insistence of doing things right contributed to a higher degree of quality and professionalism.
During the post war period he served in Texas then retired as a full colonel on December 15, 1870.
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