Description
Post war 17th and 19th Corps badge belonging to William Belding, Jr., formerly of the 76th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. William would muster with “C” company in August, 1862. The regiment would be engaged at Vicksburg, Benton, Vaughn’s Station, Deasonville as well as driving the enemy out of Yazoo City. The majority of the regiment’s time would be spent in the vicinity of Vicksburg, participating in various skirmishes and expeditions. The regiment would suffer more from disease than they would from actual fighting. Nearly 4 times as many men would succumb to disease than battle casualties. William himself would be discharged for a disability in May of 1865 due to disease which ravaged the regiment. This corps badge, made from silver, is a combination of both the 17th Corps and 19th Corps. The top bar is in the shape of an arrow which would represent the 17th Corps with the lower portion representing the 19th Corps. The reverse bears a very nice inscription reading “W. Belding Mazon, Ill”. Measuring 1.5″ x 1″. Nice little badge
