Description
Discharge certificate for Joseph P. Allen of the 8th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Joseph would muster with company k as a private in September, 1861 and would serve with the regiment until discharged in September, 1864. The regiment would take a beating in their first engagement during the Battle of Shiloh. The last to leave the advanced line of the army they were surrounded as they attempted to withdraw. They would continue to fight but would eventually be compelled to surrender losing 64 killed, 100 wounded and 47 missing out of 650 men engaged. Following Shiloh they would see action during the Siege of Corinth and Vicksburg, the Red River Campaign and the battle of Spanish Fort. At some point he would transfer into the Veteran Reserve Corps. Most likely in 1864 when a number of the veteran members of the regiment re-enlisted. He would eventually be discharged in late September, 1864.
