Colonel 72nd New York Infantry. Mustered in as captain of Company K of the 72nd in 1861. John Austin became the acting brigade quartermaster on the staff of Brigadier General Daniel Sickles, and then colonel of the 72nd New York infantry. On the second day of the Battle o Gettysburg, shell fragments injured his right hand and arm. He described this incident in a field report written in Virginia on August 23, "... At 2 p.m. we were ordered to advance across an open field in line of battle, the left of our regiment, which formed the extreme left of the brigade, resting on a cross-road, the line running parallel with the main road and in rear of the peach orchard. We remained in line of battle about two hours, under a most terrific fire of shot and shell when we were pressed so hard on the left flank that we were obliged to fall back. This we did in as good order as the circumstances would permit. At this time I was wounded in the arm and side and a few minutes after had my horse killed. I was now obliged to give up the command to Lieutenant Colonel Leonard, who fought the regiment after I left. He and the rest of the officers were indefatigable in their exertions to rally the men, who were still hard pressed..." In 1864, Austin was dischared for disability and he died a year later.
Colonel 72nd New York Infantry. Mustered in as captain of Company K of the 72nd in 1861. John Austin became the acting brigade quartermaster on the staff of Brigadier General Daniel Sickles, and then colonel of the 72nd New York infantry. On the second day of the Battle o Gettysburg, shell fragments injured his right hand and arm. He described this incident in a field report written in Virginia on August 23, "... At 2 p.m. we were ordered to advance across an open field in line of battle, the left of our regiment, which formed the extreme left of the brigade, resting on a cross-road, the line running parallel with the main road and in rear of the peach orchard. We remained in line of battle about two hours, under a most terrific fire of shot and shell when we were pressed so hard on the left flank that we were obliged to fall back. This we did in as good order as the circumstances would permit. At this time I was wounded in the arm and side and a few minutes after had my horse killed. I was now obliged to give up the command to Lieutenant Colonel Leonard, who fought the regiment after I left. He and the rest of the officers were indefatigable in their exertions to rally the men, who were still hard pressed..." In 1864, Austin was dischared for disability and he died a year later.
Gravesite Details
Interred on 15 Oct 1870
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