Pamplin Park • Breakthrough Trail • Tudor Hall • Fortifications • Markers • Timeline
Text from the monument
At 4:40 AM, April 2, 1865 the Old Vermont Brigade, led by the 5th Vermont, passed this point and broke through the Confederate defenses – a victory that led to the Fall of Richmond. Six Vermont soldiers received Medals of Honor for their efforts on this field.
Charles W. Dolloff – Cpl 11th VT
Charles G. Gould – Captain 5th VT
Lester G. Hack – Sg 5th VT
Gardner C. Hawkins – 1st Lt 3rd VT
Jackson Sargent – Color Bearer 5th VT
William J. Sperry – Major 6th VT
Dedicated by the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks April 2, 2015
Additional information on these Medal of Honor Recipients
Corporal Charles W. Dolloff, Company K First Vermont Heavy Artillery (the 11th Vermont Infantry was redesignated as the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery in December 1862)
“Capture of Flag”
Captain Charles G. Gould, Company H, 5th Vermont Infantry
“Among the first to mount the enemy’s works in the assault, he received a serious bayonet wound in the face, was struck several times with clubbed muskets, but bravely stood his ground, and with his sword killed the man who had bayoneted him.”
Sergeant Lester Goodel Hack, Company F, 5th Vermont Infantry
“Capture of flag of 23d Tennessee Infantry (C.S.A.) and several of the enemy.”
First Lieutenant Gardner C. Hawkins, Company E, 5th Vermont Infantry
“When the lines were wavering from the well-directed fire of the enemy, this officer, acting adjutant of the regiment, sprang forward, and with encouraging words cheered the soldiers on and, although dangerously wounded, refused to leave the field until the enemy’s works were taken.”
Sergeant Jackson G. Sargent, Company D, 5th Vermont Infantry
“First to scale the enemy’s works and plant the colors thereon.”
Major William Joseph Sperry, 6th Vermont Infantry
“With the assistance of a few men, captured two pieces of artillery and turned them upon the enemy.”
Location of the monument
The Old Vermont Brigade monument is on the Breakthrough trail at Pamplin Historical Park near Petersburg, Virginia. (37° 10.853′ N, 77° 28.285′ W)