Service in the Fighting 69th is a family tradition for New York Army National Guard officer

The Grand Army of the Republic Medal that belonged to Philip Reilly, a veteran of the New York State Militia’s 69th Infantry Regiment, part of the Union Irish Brigade during the American Civil War. Reilly lied about his age for his enlistment at age 12 in 1861 and served in the 69th Infantry at the First Battle of Bull Run. He mustered out of service that year, but reenlisted in 1865 at age 15, again under a false age, to continue service with the Irish Brigade. The Grand Army of the Republic introduced this medal for its veteran membership in 1869. Reilly was the great-great-grandfather of New York Army National Guard Capt. Richard Reilly, now serving as commander of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, the modern era legacy of the Irish Brigade. U.S. National Guard photo courtesy of Capt. Richard Reilly.