Plate size is 2 x 1.5 inches, include identification certificate and story of soldier. The Story of Private William P. Tanner was born on December 12, 1842, in Little Falls, New York, a small but bustling town nestled along the banks of the Mohawk River. By the time he turned 20, the Civil War had swept across the nation, calling young men like William to action.
With a deep sense of duty and perhaps a touch of youthful idealism, William enlisted on August 23, 1862, in Schuyler, New York. He joined the New York 121st Infantry, Company D-an infantry regiment that would soon gain a reputation as "Upton's Regulars" for its discipline and bravery. At enlistment, William stood tall and determined, taking on the role of a private. The bugle insignia on his kepi marked him as an infantryman, and Company D became his new family. Alongside other farmhands, clerks, and tradesmen from upstate New York, he trained tirelessly, transforming from a civilian into a soldier ready to face the trials of war.
By 1864, the war had dragged on, and the New York 121st Infantry found itself deeply entrenched in the Overland Campaign under General Ulysses S. On May 10, 1864, William faced the horrors of combat during the grueling Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia. The battle was a test of endurance and courage, as Union forces engaged Confederate troops in brutal, close-quarters combat. Amid the chaos, William was struck down, grievously wounded.
He was carried from the battlefield by comrades who refused to leave him behind. He received care at one of the city's crowded military hospitals. Despite the best efforts of surgeons, his wounds proved fatal. On May 20, 1864, just ten days after the battle, William succumbed to his injuries at the age of 21.
His death marked the end of a short but courageous life. William was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, Plot 27-139, among countless other Union soldiers who had given their lives to preserve the nation. His name was etched into the annals of the New York 121st Infantry, a poignant reminder of the sacrifice he made.Though his life was cut tragically short, William's legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and in the history of his regiment. He stands as a symbol of the countless young men who answered the call to serve, facing unimaginable challenges with bravery and resolve. Today, his story is preserved, a testament to the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in extraordinary times.